The Charles City County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal for the creation of a small primitive camping area to serve the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and Virginia Capital Trail at Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park. The proposal, which received endorsements from Charles City County’s Recreation Advisory Committee and Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, was presented to the Board of Supervisors by Justin Doyle of the James River Association on Tuesday, September 26.
The Regional Rivers Plan, a plan to expand and enhance public recreational access, encourage economic development, and promote tourism on the rivers of the Richmond region, recommends the creation of a small primitive camping area at Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park. The James River Association acted on this recommendation by creating a proposal and applying for a grant to support the project. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) awarded the James River Association a grant earlier this year to support the project, which features three primitive campsites and designated group camping area. James River Association staff members will organize volunteers to install the primitive camping area in coordination with Charles City County and Virginia Capital Trail Foundation staff members. The primitive camping area will be located adjacent to existing restroom facilities near the park’s entrance. When complete, the project will fill a gap in camping access along the James River and add a bicycle rack, bicycle repair, and signage to the park.
About Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park: Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park is a 26-acre public riverfront park established in 1993 to provide recreational activities to the citizens of Charles City County and surrounding areas. The park is situated on the James River and provides access to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and Virginia Capital Trail. The park features a fishing pier, boat ramp, and picnic pavilion.
