A portion of the South River Greenway will close on Monday as work gets under way in the area of the Loth Springs trailhead.
The closure will run from the trailhead near the Waynesboro Y to the back side of the South River Mill complex. The section will be closed to the public for 30 to 60 days.
Waynesboro Parks & Recreation Director Dwayne Jones said it will be worth it when it is completed.
“While we do not like to shut down the very popular greenway, we are excited to see the Loth Springs natural area take shape,” Jones told AFP. “Reduced stormwater runoff, enhanced wildlife habitat and an improved greenway user experience are just a few of the benefits this project will have on the community.”
The biggest impact of the closure for users of the greenway will be access to parking near the Y. However, there is parking and access available on Short Street or at North Park on Bridge Avenue.
Waynesboro secured $1.3 million for habitat restoration and water quality improvements on the site from the DuPont settlement.
Plans for Loth Springs natural area
The Loth Springs natural area project aims to create a passive recreation area along the greenway.
The project highlights include:
- Improved greenway user experience by providing a more open and natural section of trail
- Enhanced wildlife habitat along the South River
- Reduced pollution from stormwater runoff
The site will include:
- Stream daylighting: This process will open up a stream from the point where the spring water is currently piped underground to the South River
- Stormwater practices: Will remove pollution from the runoff from the existing city storm sewer system that discharges to the river
- Relocation of the existing fence along the greenway: Will allow access to the Mill at South River property
The Loth Springs natural area is part of a broader redevelopment along the river, the South River Preserve, a 26-acre park with fishing access points, a river theater, an ADA fishing platform and pollinator gardens. The South River Greenway meanders throughout the park giving walkers and runners beautiful views of the landscape and river.
Related links
- Loth Springs natural area
- South River Preserve
- South River Greenway
- Sunset Park
- Basic Park
- Traffic Garden by Waynesboro Rotary Club
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Crystal Graham
