PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
CONTACT:
Justin Doyle
Community Conservation Manager
James River Association
(804) 572-4667
jdoyle@thejamesriver.org
Charles City County Opens Public Camping Area at
Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park
A new public camping area serving the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail and James River is now open at Charles City County’s Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park. The Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area features bicycle facilities and consists of three campsites with picnic tables and a group camping area. Campsites can be reserved through Charles City County’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Charles City County’s Board of Supervisors approved a proposal for the creation of a small primitive camping area to serve the Virginia Capital Trail and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail at Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park in 2017. The proposal was presented to the County by the James River Association and endorsed by Charles City County’s Recreation Advisory Committee and Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) awarded the James River Association a grant to support the project. The James River Association organized volunteers to install the primitive camping area in coordination with Charles City County staff members. The primitive camping area is located adjacent to existing restroom facilities near the park’s entrance.
“For many, safe recreation has been a challenge this year. Charles City County is honored to work with the James River Association to ensure everyone still has the opportunity to enjoy safe recreation options here in our community,” said Michelle Johnson, County Administrator for Charles City County. “The great outdoors is where everyone can find enjoyment, and make new memories. We welcome visitors to Charles City to create those memories here.”
Justin Doyle, Community Conservation Manager with the James River Association, stated, “It was a pleasure to work with Charles City County and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation to bring the Lawrence Lewis, Jr Primitive Camping Area project to life. The primitive camping area fills a gap in camping access along the Virginia Capital Trail and James River, and gives cyclists and paddlers planning multi-day expeditions a new camping option.”
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Charles City County and the James River Association on this project,” shares Cat Anthony, Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, “We frequently get asked about camping or lodging opportunities along the Capital Trail. We are thrilled for the opportunities this new camping resource offers. We believe it will encourage healthy recreation and help people foster an appreciation and connection to nature and the outdoors.”
A reservation is required to use the Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area. To reserve a campsite or the group camping area, individuals should call (804) 652-1601 or email Marla Bradby at mwbradby@co.charles-city.
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.
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.
ABOUT CHARLES CITY COUNTY: Charles City County provides complete local governmental services to the Charles City community. We are organized into three districts, each represented by one supervisor. We are committed to excellence in public service with a specific focus on fiscal stewardship, efficient use of resources, and citizen engagement. By creating a vibrant economy that provides quality jobs, enhances economic opportunities, celebrates the rich diversity of our community, we are imagining a tomorrow that begins today.
ABOUT VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL FOUNDATION The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to protect, promote, and enhance the Virginia Capital Trail, and to serve as a resource, community builder, and connector to other trails throughout the Commonwealth. For more information, please visit www.virginiacaptialtrail.org.