The National Park Service (NPS) has announced the selection of ten communities and partners across the southeastern United States to receive professional guidance aimed at advancing local recreation, conservation, and economic development projects.
These efforts will be supported through the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program, which provides expertise to help communities enhance their natural spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The communities chosen for assistance in 2024 span six states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, per a National Park Service news release. Each project reflects the diverse needs of its respective community, with initiatives focused on expanding trail networks, improving river access, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering environmental stewardship.
In Alabama, the Montgomery Riverwalk Extension project will receive support to extend the Riverwalk by 1.5 miles, connecting downtown Montgomery to neighborhoods, the Montgomery Whitewater Park, and Maxwell Air Force Base. The extension aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle accessibility.
Kentucky will see two projects benefit from the program. Newport Waterfront Park will undergo upgrades to include trails, playgrounds, and river access, with a focus on conservation and accessibility.
Meanwhile, Richmond’s Taylor Fork Recreation Area plans to expand its trail network, linking health facilities and the Boone Trace trail system, with assistance from NPS in community engagement and planning.
Mississippi’s Amethyst at Five Points project, located in Jackson, will develop a park and memorial that honors the history of the National Negro Baseball League and the Jackson Cubs. The initiative will also explore connections to nearby historical sites, with NPS facilitating community partnerships and design guidance.
In North Carolina, the Navassa Heritage Blueprint Project within the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor will focus on preserving the cultural legacy of the Gullah Geechee people through trails and recreation projects. NPS will assist in developing interpretive plans and sustainable community organizations to support these efforts.
South Carolina’s Ashley River Park West, near Charleston, will expand its offerings on a newly acquired 210-acre parcel, adding trails and river access while emphasizing conservation and public input.
Tennessee will see multiple projects supported. The Hatchie River Blueway will focus on improving access to the river for non-motorized boating, while the Lookout Valley to Chattanooga Linear Park project aims to establish a greenway connecting communities to downtown Chattanooga.
Other initiatives include plans for the Nolichucky River Blueway to enhance access and safety and the Pellissippi Blueway on the Clinch River, which seeks to develop a long-term water trail plan.
Beyond these ten new projects, the RTCA program will continue providing consulting services to communities in Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina.
Additionally, the program will collaborate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist disaster-affected communities in Florida and Kentucky with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The NPS RTCA program underscores its commitment to promoting recreation, conservation, and community development by working closely with local partners to create lasting environmental and cultural benefits.
