"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

Our Story

With Margaret Mead’s words as inspiration, Pathways for Radford has demonstrated the impact that an all-volunteer organization can have on a community since its beginnings in 1998.

Dedicated to the development of a trail network throughout Radford and the revitalization of Wildwood Park, Pathways has accomplished these missions and more for this southwestern Virginia municipality.

Imagining a Greater Radford

Radford is the only municipality located directly on the New River. Established as a city in 1892, the “New River City” has evolved from railroad stop to university town with close to 16,000 permanent residents.

Radford University, with an average of 9,000 students, is the largest employer. The town-gown relationship has seen many climates through the years, as is common in many university communities.

Pathways for Radford started with murmurs and informal discussions among residents who recognized that the existing comprehensive plan for the city included a bikeway system. While the plan was yet to be implemented, casual conversations became formal meetings in March 1998. By-laws, executive officers, and a formal structure ensued; and by the next year, Pathways for Radford filed for non-profit status.

The group drafted a two-pronged mission: establishing a network of bike- and walkways connecting schools, businesses, residential areas, and the university; and restoring trail access and the popular appeal of Wildwood Park, a 47-acre woodlands located in the center of the city. But in pursuing these goals, Pathways for Radford would ultimately reach beyond these mandates.

Securing Support

The first year in existence was critical for Pathways. They had to demonstrate that their mission would serve the interests of Radford residents and the local government. Working with contacts at Radford University’s Marketing Department, the group orchestrated a survey to poll citizen interest related to recreation and trails.

Fifty-nine per cent of the respondents indicated they would use the trails three times per week. Motivated by this show of community support, Pathways began to pursue funding for a project that would actualize the comprehensive plan’s bikeway components.

They turned to the federal government’s Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) program, recognizing that the transportation enhancement features of this initiative were a perfect match for the Pathways trail system. Since TEA-21 funds require a 20 percent local match, Pathways sought approval of the application and a commitment from the city.

The grant application, prepared by Pathways volunteers and Radford city staff, was submitted in February 1999 and word of an award for $500,000 came back in June from the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board, administrators of the federal funds.

Pathways for Radford had pulled in enough money to secure a green light to proceed with design of Phase I of the proposed trail network: a 2.5-mile stretch connecting Bisset Park with Radford University and then connecting Bisset Park with Wildwood Park.

The trail would run along the New River allowing for pedestrian and bike access from college to town and then use the Wildwood Park leg to connect to residential areas and two elementary schools. The project would not only expand recreational opportunities for students and residents alike, but it would encourage alternate forms of transportation. Pathways was now a major stakeholder in the project and would continue to play an important role in advancing toward construction.

Still, much work remained and the volunteer corps pressed on.

Cooperative Design

Moving from plan to construction required extensive collaboration between city officials and Pathways representatives. Key players in the city included Assistant City Manager David Ridpath and City Engineer Jim Hurt, P.E.

At least one member of the Pathways organization, usually an officer from the executive council, attended all planning meetings.

Citizens and Pathways membership at large were invited to join in trail walks along the river to survey the landscape and help select a route for the proposed trail. Building a trail that took advantage of the riparian corridor and showcased the unique landscape of the New River served as a primary consideration. Once a preliminary course was established to everyone’s satisfaction, a design consultant was selected through a formal procurement process.

Wildwood Progress

With a core group of 20 individuals regularly attending meetings and volunteering for special assignments, Pathways was often hard pressed for resources. Still, the group managed to maintain its commitment to the trail network and its second focus: Wildwood Park. While the trail system called for substantial funding and fit the TEA-21 criteria with precision, the Wildwood Park enhancements could be accomplished in smaller portions, each contributing to the overall revitalization.

Pathways volunteers sought funds for different programs, writing numerous grants and procuring volunteer support from city and university officials as well. A $40,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) with city match of $8,000 launched Phase I renovation of trails on the west side of the park in 2000. Grants from the Virginia Environmental Endowment and the EPA’s Enviro Education Program totaling almost $10,000 paid for the creation of two butterfly meadows designed by university biologists.

These open-air “labs” would eventually increase the diversity of butterflies in the park and allow for scientific study by area students.

Phase II construction and renovation of hiking trails on the west side of the park was funded by another DCR grant for $40,000 with a city match of $8,000.

In 2002, yet another $40,000 DCR grant with an $8,000 match was awarded for construction and renovation of hiking trails on the east side.

Many projects were accomplished entirely through volunteer support and collaboration with university and local high school students. Among these was an anthropology practicum to study and provide recommendations for design of the entry to the park. In addition, Pathways and university classes volunteered for land clearing, mulching, watering, and planting of native species for the butterfly gardens. These projects often served dual purposes: enhancing the park and raising awareness of the revitalization efforts within Radford.

High school biology students produced field guides to trees, spring wildflowers, and meadow flowers of Wildwood Park. The books are sold at local shops and can be found in the library. Several Eagle Scouts focused on projects in the park, again elevating the visibility of this resource within the community.

Through these efforts, Wildwood Park was returning to life as an important place in Radford.

Established in 1929, the park had been underutilized for decades since a swimming pool located there was closed in the 1960s. Not only had Pathways for Radford improved the image and accessibility of the park, but they were to make it a critical link on the future trail system. Wildwood Park would serve as an important leg of the trail between Bisset Park and other parts of the city. But connecting the two green spaces would prove to be one of Pathways’ greatest challenges.

Tunnel Vision

Radford’s Main Street, a four-lane arterial highway, runs between Bisset and Wildwood Parks. Original design schemes proposed routing trail users along Main Street with crossings at already busy intersections. Pathways and city officials determined that this solution would not meet safety standards and would also interrupt the natural experience that all had worked diligently to maintain. While always willing to negotiate with the designers, Pathways members placed top priority on taking the trail under Main Street, in the form of a tunnel.

City officials agreed with Pathways and began to exchange ideas about how to incorporate the tunnel into the project while maintaining the project budget. In a tremendous show of support for the bikeway initiative, City Engineer Hurt proposed dovetailing the tunnel construction with an ongoing improvement project adjacent to Bisset and Wildwood Parks.

A $359,000 modification to the $14.5 million Memorial Bridge replacement project allowed for creation of the tunnel beneath Main Street creating the optimal byway for riders and walkers between the two parks.

Marking Time

While awaiting approval of the final construction documents for Phase I of the bikeway by the Virginia Department of Transportation, Pathways and city officials were busy with numerous initiatives.

After sponsoring a “Name the Trail” competition open to all residents, the trail connecting Bisset Park and the university became officially dubbed “The Riverway.” With city support, Pathways volunteers applied for a second TEA-21 grant for Phase II of the trail network. The city committed to a 20 percent match and June of 2000 saw a second federal award of $250,000.

The Riverway was officially designated a “Millennium Trail” that same year and a celebration of National Trails Day included an invitation to citizens to walk the route of the proposed bike- and walkway. Working with city staff and various city commissions, Pathways members organized clean-ups, assisted with Web site development, and appeared at numerous special events. Volunteers were enlisted to serve on city-appointed commissions, ensuring that the Pathways mission was represented in future planning. At the request of the city, Pathways coordinated nomination of four sites for the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, a project subsidized by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Pathways has also initiated discussions with adjacent municipalities to plan for connectivity with other existing and proposed trails in the New River Valley.

Rainmakers, Bricklayers, Team Players

Fundraising has been a critical aspect of the Pathways organization. While the city of Radford has provided important matching funds since Pathways began working toward its goals, the all-volunteer force has received 12 grants amassing $1,190,553.

Fundraising initiatives from private foundations, donations, and commemorative brick and t-shirt sales have also earned $32,500. While often difficult to demonstrate, the volunteer services from Pathways members on behalf of the project objectives and the city at large are noteworthy of attention.

Thousands of volunteer hours have been logged since the organization formed in 1998. The organization tracked nearly 1,000 hours in 2003 alone. At that rate, five years’ worth of volunteer work at average hourly wage (according to Department of Labor statistics) is equivalent to approximately $70,000 in labor costs completed on behalf of the city.

Preventing Problems Before They Emerge

The Pathways organization has established an outstanding record of adopting proactive measures to address approaching challenges. Many of these strategies can be associated with the organization’s self-appointed role of natural resource guardians. Consistently promoting the bikeway as a means for a healthier lifestyle in Radford, Pathways has also stressed the importance of preserving the outstanding biological riches of the New River and Wildwood Park.

Pathways volunteers have led the charge in erosion control projects along the riverbank and within the park. These efforts have been both organized, as in a riparian corridor workshop sponsored by the group in October 2003, and individual, as in regular attention to wildflower survival in Wildwood during trail construction projects. Several clean-up projects have involved removal of invasive plant species to deter further growth and encourage native species development. Pathways has also initiated conversations with Radford’s Police Department to develop a safety program along The Riverway.

2003: A Banner Year

After nearly five years of planning and prodding, construction on Radford’s Riverway, a $1.5 million capital investment, commenced in September 2003.

City officials and Pathways volunteers convened at the confluence of the new trail and an existing trail in Bisset Park to celebrate the actualization of a vision for Radford. Work on the tunnel underneath Main Street had begun in June. Residents and visitors alike were kept informed of progress through press coverage.

In the interim, Pathways and the city proceeded with application for two more grants through the TEA-21 program. Phase III of the proposed bikeway was awarded $100,000 and Phase IV received $175,000.

Pathways representatives conduct regular meetings with city staff to assist in moving these sections of the trail system from concept to reality.

Wildwood Redux

Phase I construction of the bike trail includes close to a mile length through Wildwood Park. In the past two years a total 4,900 linear feet of new trail and 1,500 feet of reconstructed trail have been completed to provide walking access to all sides of the park. Trailhead and directional signage assists in orienting visitors to key points.

The butterfly gardens converted to meadows this year have been “operational” since 2000 and 79 species have been recorded by visitors, including two rare varieties: the Northern Metalmark and the Gold-banded Skipper. Several handicapped accessible trails including one overlook are complete. Conclusion On May 22, 2004, the community of Radford gathered to dedicate The Riverway.

The 2.5-mile stretch of paved trail runs from Radford University along the New River to Bisset Park where it turns in a southerly direction running underneath Radford’s Main Street and emerges in Wildwood Park. The trail will then connect, in phase II, to bikeways linking two elementary schools and residential neighborhoods. Over 100 citizens participated in a commemorative ride. Bicycles, in-line skates, wagons, unicycles, and walking shoes made their way from a parking and rest area on Dudley’s Landing to Bisset Park. Today, bikers, hikers, birders, and butterfly lovers regularly visit the revitalized Wildwood Park, enjoying the fruits of six years of effort by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Pathways for Radford led the charge in bringing these recreational staples to the area and the city has wholeheartedly embraced their participation and leadership.

The story of Pathways for Radford is multi-faceted, demonstrating cooperation among diverse contingencies, the power of volunteer efforts, and private-public collaboration on numerous levels.

The Riverway will improve the general health and welfare of the residents by providing a recreational corridor and helping to reduce air pollution by encouraging alternate forms of transportation. The trail system will also serve as a centerpiece for Radford’s plans to cultivate an economic base in tourism.

Pathways for Radford emerged from a room of dreamers, people who remembered what it was like to bike or walk to school or friends’ homes, recognizing that returning those opportunities to Radford residents would enhance lives and the spirit of the city.

In the process, these volunteers have set examples of active citizenry, stubbornly working toward a goal, learning to collaborate with a municipality and other governmental bodies, and delivering over one million dollars in grant procurement, donations, and services to the good of the mission. Pathways for Radford provides a model for empowering people and governments alike, a vital partnership for today and a shared future.