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Rails-to-trails project keeps chugging along
The final 'golden spike' is driven for the Dahlgren Heritage Railroad Trail in King George County during a dedication ceremonyDate published: 7/7/2008 BY REBECCA J. BARNABI Despite a threat of rain, members of the Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and the community turned out to dedicate officially the new hiking and bi-king trail in King George County over the weekend. People who contributed to turning the old rail line into a trail took turns Saturday driving in the final "golden spike" on the two-thirds of a mile of restored track on the 15.7-mile trail. The ceremony also celebrated the arrival of a 1917 wooden caboose and 1919 boxcar at the site. "This golden spike, I think, represents a partnership," said David Brickley, an attorney and former state legislator from Woodbridge who led the effort to create the trail. Brickley said the volunteerism involved in preserving the land off State Route 605 is an example of what makes America great. No government funds were used in the project, he said. The trail runs east along Route 605 to the B Gate at the Dahlgren Naval Support Facility, following what used to be the Dahlgren Branch rail line. Constructed in 1941, the rail line carried munitions, war supplies and passengers to and from the base until 1957. It was purchased by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Co. in 1963, then sold to CSX in 1992 before being abandoned. Brickley said one of the driving forces behind creation of the trail was to help preserve the history of Brickley said that another goal of the project was to provide recreation. He cited Brickley hopes the trail will become a state park eventually and be open to the public. For now, residents need a permit to use the trail for walking, cycling, jogging or horseback riding. In his blessing, the Rev. Lance Bacon of King George Church of God referred to the trail as "a place of history and heritage," as well as "a view to our past and a look into our future." In his speech to the roughly 30 people gathered for the dedication, Brickley said the association has overcome many obstacles and has only a few small hurdles left. Among those is a goal of returning some of the land along the trail to Little Ark Baptist Church. The section of the trail that runs through the church's cemetery is now closed. Brickley said the association also hopes to make the trail public and connect it with Caledon Natural Area. For a trail use permit and other information, visit FriendsDRHT.org. Rebecca J. Barnabi: 540/374-5426
Date published: 7/7/2008
a fine resource
(posted by
jplynch
, July 9, 2008 1:06 pm)
The trail will be a great asset for King George. Possibly even commuting by bike to work at Dahlgren!
kudos to DRHT
(posted by
Freedrik
, July 7, 2008 10:43 am)
Total thumbs down to those opposed to this asset.
King George has a remarkable asset literately at their feet and look at who opposes the trails.
I know, maybe people could go shopping in town (can't do it in King George). Its a scientific fact that shopping helps our youth lose weight and stay healthy.
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