Grant Will Help Build More Bike Trails at Morningside Park

The Roanoke Outside Foundation received a $25,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation’s Preservation Trust Fund and its new Get Outdoors grant program. Funds will be used to build more trails and features in the City of Roanoke’s Morningside Park.

UPDATE (July, 2021): Construction of phase II has begun with anticipated completion spring 2022. Contact BROC to volunteer.

The Get Outdoors program funds projects that serve communities that have been inadequately served, overlooked, or harmed by unfair zoning, housing, and land-use practices or other systemic discrimination.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a great deal about the importance of open space for not only our physical and mental health, but also for the strength of our communities,” said VOF Executive Director Brett Glymph. “We are pleased to be able to award these grants that will advance projects in communities all across the Commonwealth, resulting in greater, safer, and more equitable access to the outdoors for thousands of Virginians.”

In 2019, the Roanoke community crowdfunded and built Phase I of the Morningside Bike Park, a 1.25-mile beginner loop trail, and thanks to the Get Outdoors grant Phase II will start soon.

Phase II is managed by Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists (BROC), our local mountain bike club, and will include several different types of bike trails including beginner jumps, intermediate flow trails, and technical rock trails. These trails will be built in a series that allows a person to progress in skill level from beginner to advanced. Trail work will be built by volunteers with grant funds used for purchasing materials, renting equipment, and hiring any subcontractors needed for work beyond the scope of volunteers.

Want to get involved and help? Follow BROC on social media or contact them through their website.