Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia’s working farms and forests, battlefields and other historic sites, natural areas, parks and rivers are critical to its economy, culture and quality of life. In 1999, the assembly and governor established the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) to fund protection of these resources. The interactive map below depicts VLCF-grant projects funded since 2000.
| Name: | Memorial Drive Recreation Area |
|---|---|
| Category: | Open Spaces and Parks |
| Grant Round: | FY23 |
| Acres: | 6.87 |
| Locality: | City of Danville |
| Management Agency: | City of Danville, Parks and Recreation Department |
| Owner: | Local |
| ConserveVirginia: | Cultural & Historic Preservation, Scenic Preservation |
| Amount Awarded: | $500,000.00 |
| Applicant: | City of Danville, Parks and Recreation Department |
| Latitude: | 36.591010 |
| Longitude: | -79.394329 |
| Description: | The VLCF funds requested will assist with the purchase of nearly seven acres of a 19-acre tract on Memorial Drive within the city, a property that is individually listed in the Virginia Landmarks Registry (VDHR 108-0123). The Industrial Development Authority has agreed to transfer the property to Danville's Parks and Recreation Department for $3 million to repurpose and develop a Memorial Drive Recreation Area. Recreational repurpose of the site will include unique amenities open for year-round public access and scenic views. The site contains an 1816 waterpower canal that will be repurposed for a recreation amenity for rafters and kayakers as well as a training facility for professional swift water rescue teams. On the northern edge of the property is a covered 925-foot-long pedestrian bridge that spans the Dan River built in 1920. This bridge will serve as a connector to the city's trail system on the south side of Virginia's Scenic Dan River to the north side trail system (a statewide connecting trail). |
| Pictures: |  |
