At a special board meeting held on February 25, 2014, the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association (LRPRA) voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation to lease LRPRA common ground as part of the McCoart-to-Occoquan Trail System.
Lake Ridge is a 42-year-old unincorporated planned community of 41,000 residents on the banks of the Occoquan Reservoir. With over 7,300 members and stretching over 4,000 acres, Lake Ridge is among the largest homeowners associations in the nation.
The planned trail travels approximately 8 miles, with the majority running through Lake Ridge common ground. In addition to several existing paved and gravel paths currently maintained by the association, there are many informal paths that crisscross throughout Lake Ridge. Many of these paths offer stunning views of the Occoquan Reservoir and traverse through hilly, undisturbed forested land.
Once in Occoquan, hikers may connect to several nearby foot and bike paths – such as the Fairfax Cross County trail, US 1 bike route, East Coast Greenway, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic trail, and the Occoquan Water trail. Occoquan is a destination for shopping and dining and the Town is currently planning a small park and amphitheater.
The concept of a McCoart-to-Occoquan trail has been discussed and supported by the LRPRA board for over 10 years. When the community was originally developed, connected walking trails weren’t considered. Several years ago, Prince William County approved an investment of over $700,000 to manage and improve this trail, which may include board walks, footbridges, and erosion control measures, in addition to lighting, trail markers, and kiosks. The trail has been divided into sections, and LRPRA members will have the opportunity to review and approve the specific location of the trail through each section.
The LRPRA Board has a history of successful joint projects with Prince William County. The recently opened dog park on Minnieville Road is situated on property owned by LRPRA and leased to PWC under an arrangement similar to that of the trail. The LRPRA board worked closely with Occoquan District Supervisor Mike May, Debra Andrew and Michael DePue of the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Earnie Porta, Mayor of Occoquan. The board also held many meetings and town hall style events to solicit feedback from members of LRPRA.
Contact: Gayle Whitlock, LRPRA Board President
Lake Ridge Parks & Recreation Association, 12350 Oakwood Drive, Lake Ridge VA 22192
www.lakeridgeva.com
(703) 593-7730 [email protected]
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
