The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) and
Friends of Southwest Virginia (FSWVA), in collaboration with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA),
Patrick County Economic Development and Tourism, Henry County Parks and Recreation, the City of
Martinsville, and other regional and local partners, are launching the Blue Ridge Outdoor Recreation
Planning Project as part of the larger Gateways to Southwest Virginia: Outdoor Economy Recreation Plan.
Funded by a 2023 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Grant and a Tobacco Region
Revitalization Commission grant, this project aims to create a cohesive plan to expand outdoor
recreational opportunities across the region. By enhancing outdoor assets, the initiative seeks to boost
community vitality and drive economic growth through tourism. The planning will focus on developing
recreation areas like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Fairy Stone State Park, Philpott Lake, Mayo River Rail Trail,
and local mountain biking trails. Building on successful models, the project will promote blueways, trail
networks, and adventure sports, strengthening connections throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains
foothills.
The larger project, Gateways to Southwest Virginia: Outdoor Economy Recreation Plan, includes two
primary regions: the Blue Ridge Outdoor Recreation Planning Project, covering the City of Martinsville and
Henry and Patrick Counties, and the Powell and Clinch River Recreation Area Project, which spans Lee,
Scott, and Wise Counties, along with the City of Norton. The Blue Ridge Project specifically focuses on
fostering partnerships and sustainable outdoor recreation development, including trails, mountain biking,
and local business opportunities around existing trail systems.
Key partners on the project management team include Roger Adams from Henry County, Sarah Hodges
and Kelly Rowland from the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation, James
Houchins with Patrick County, Hannah Powell from the City of Martinsville, Catherine Van Noy from Mill
Creek Creative (representing the City of Martinsville), Brian Williams with DRBA, Kim Davis and Jen Otey
from FSWVA, and Kristie Eberly and Amanda Gray from WPPDC.
“These partnerships and the strategic planning involved in this project are vital steps toward creating a
stronger, more sustainable outdoor economy in our region,” said Kristie Eberly, Executive Director of the
WPPDC. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with local and regional partners to enhance outdoor recreation
amenities and enrich experiences across our region.”
Following a competitive RFP process, Destination by Design (DbD) was selected as the lead consulting firm.
DbD brings over 10 years of experience in creating vibrant public spaces, developing recreational
opportunities, and building regional brands, with a focus on engaging local communities and leaders to
guide strategic investments.
The project will kick off soon with focus groups and site visits involving regional partners and Destination
by Design (DbD). Scheduled for completion in June 2024, the plan will offer a comprehensive set of
recommendations for implementing future outdoor recreation projects across the region. Together, the
combined efforts of WPPDC, FSWVA, DRBA, and local partners will deepen community engagement with
Southwest Virginia’s landscapes and foster appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
“This regional plan focused on the outdoor economy will be an asset to Patrick County, the City of
Martinsville and Henry County and everyone who lives, works and plays in the region will have an
opportunity to be a part of the process,” said Tiffany Haworth, Executive Director of DRBA. “We are
excited to work in partnership with our established partners and looking forward to a new collaboration
with FSWVA while DRBA is preparing to update the Martinsville and Henry County local Outdoor
Recreation Master Plan. The combination of these local and regional master plans will provide a
community-driven roadmap for outdoor recreational opportunities in this region for many years.”
“The West Piedmont region unites Southern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and the Virginia Mountains,
creating a strength that benefits all of Virginia,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of
Southwest Virginia. “By focusing on outdoor recreation, we’re showcasing each area’s unique assets,
boosting local businesses, attracting tourism, and strengthening community bonds. This project
exemplifies the power of partnership across regional lines, creating a strong foundation for economic
growth and sustainable outdoor experiences that benefit everyone who calls these regions home.”
These initiatives collectively aim to promote sustainable outdoor activities, enrich community
connections, and position the region as a premier outdoor recreation destination, fostering greater
community appreciation for the natural assets that define the region.