The observation platform at Betsy Bell Wilderness Park in Staunton sits at an elevation of 1,959 feet, which, for context, is higher than the elevation for drivers crossing Afton Mountain on I-64.
“It is a hidden gem in the city. Not many people know about it or actually go up there,” said Chris Tuttle, the director of the city parks and recreation department, which is responsible for the park’s upkeep.
The story there: the land was donated to the city by Charles Catlett in 1941, with the proviso that the city, “for the common benefit of its citizens and inhabitants, keep and maintain the crest of the mountain as a perpetual memorial,” and a requirement that members of Staunton City Council visit the crest each spring in honor of the gift.
“In my career, I’ve probably made 30-plus trips to the top with City Council,” Tuttle said.
It’s a difficult trek – you get there from Greenville Avenue, turning onto Betsy Bell Road, then when the pavement ends, you turn left onto a gravel access road that winds up the western face of the mountain to the top.
You don’t get there by car – the city website tells us that “four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended,” given the nature of the road, and its grade.
Some taking advantage of our ‘hidden gem’
A private group is working to organize a cleanup day for Saturday, Nov. 7, to assist the parks and rec folks, who empty trash cans in the park three times a week, according to Tuttle, “but, absolutely, any volunteer labor we can get is much appreciated.”
The primary contact for the group doesn’t want me to use her name – “I don’t want the negativity of social media to be released onto me,” which I can understand.
The group just wants to do the right thing by Betsy Bell.
“Our goal is to clean up the trash, repaint overlooks and fix any that need to be fixed and to potentially have the road fixed,” the contact said.
It’s not just trash – there’s broken glass, there’s graffiti; kinda makes you wonder what’s wrong with some people, showing that level of disrespect for nature.
Pitch in and help out
The cleanup effort can use every volunteer who wants to help out.
“We also need supplies,” the contact for the volunteer group told us. “We are looking for large leaf trash bags, eco-friendly cleaner and paper towels/rags, garbage grabbers, gloves, shovels and anything else someone could think of to help us out.”
The cleanup day should serve a twofold benefit: the actual cleanup being one.
“We also hope the event will raise awareness community-wide about the condition of the park and hopefully encourage people to take care of it,” the contact said.
Details
- Facebook event page: click here.
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Chris Graham
