Parks and Recreation

Chesterfield County Government Center Walking Map

In June 2006, Chesterfield County's Department of Parks and Recreation opened the first phase of the new six-mile Government Center Trail. The outer loop of the walking trail, a 1.5-mile section, extends the length of Government Center Parkway from the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center past the Smith-Wagner Building, which houses the county's Social Services and Health departments, and along Krause Road back to the training center.

Many county residents have already been using the trail regularly, including runners, walkers, dog walkers, bicyclists and parents with strollers. The trail provides a great opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors while building regular exercise into their daily routines.

The trail is an extension of the county's trails system and part of the “greenways” effort to preserve open space. In addition to preservation, the goal of the greenways effort also is to connect residents with parks, rivers, natural areas, cultural attractions and historic sites. Some greenways serve recreational purposes, while others serve as protected corridors along rivers, streams and wildlife habitats.

The Parks and Recreation Department's comprehensive plan identified trail development as a priority, and it also is part of the county's master plan. The Government Center Complex was chosen as a trail site because of its central location, varied topography, proximity to existing parking and trail heads, and because it is an ideal location to showcase trail-building methods.

The construction of the trail was done by members of the Sheriff's Office Work Force and volunteers such as Boy Scout troops and other community organizations. Austin Brockenbrough and Associates LLP and L.C. Bird High School students contributed the trail design, and Luck Stone donated the stone.

In addition to encouraging people to use the trails, Parks and Recreation staff also welcome volunteers who are interested in helping to build or enhance the trails with benches, signs or landscaping. For more information, contact Stuart Connock at (804) 751-4484 or connocks@chesterfield.gov.