WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Local leaders and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at Neabsco Regional Park on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Prince William County’s first official kayak launch, a new interpretive historical marker, and expanded accessible parking.
The ceremony, held at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, brought together elected officials, county staff, and community advocates to highlight new investments in outdoor recreation along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
“These projects have been a long time in the making,” said Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Prince William County Parks and Recreation. “This kayak launch is just a nice addition to that overall outdoor recreation experience. Over time, we hope to expand our blueway system to complement our greenway system.”
The new launch provides paddlers with direct access to scenic Neabsco Creek and the Potomac River. Although parking is currently about a five-minute walk from the site, Hendler-Voss shared that future projects will focus on improved access and even hinted at kayak rental options coming to the park.
In addition to the kayak launch, the event marked the unveiling of a historical marker chronicling the area’s legacy as a colonial port and Native American settlement. Dock pilings, visible from the shoreline, serve as a tangible reminder of that history.
Supervisor Margaret Franklin, who represents the Woodbridge District, praised the investments as part of a broader commitment to accessibility and outdoor engagement. “Whether visitors are here to kayak, walk the boardwalk, explore our rich local history, or simply take in the scenery, we want to make sure they have access to do so comfortably,” Franklin said.
The event also honored longtime advocate David Brickley, who arrived at the ceremony by kayak after a difficult 90-minute paddle from Leesylvania State Park. “This is all part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which goes from Pittsburgh to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Brickley. “This will be the recreational hub for the East Coast.”
Charlie Grymes, a board member of the Greater Prince William Trails Coalition, emphasized the enduring need for walking and water-access trails. “The recreation need has not been met—we need to develop more trails,” said Grymes. He advocated for expanding trail networks near residential communities in eastern Prince William County and reconnecting Dumfries to Prince William Forest Park, access severed by I-95 in the 1960s.
The total cost of the improvements is estimated at $400,000. The project was made possible through county investments and the support of advisory boards such as the Trails and Blueways Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
To learn more about Neabsco Regional Park, visit: www.pwcva.gov/department/neabsco-regional-park.
Recent Stories
A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal. Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened. First Sergeant…
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is rolling out the welcome mat for May’s First Friday celebration, and the weather couldn’t be better.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The Manassas Park High School Theatre Department is bringing a delightfully spooky classic to life this week with performances of The Addams Family Musical. The show runs from May 1 through May 4 and promises an evening filled with laughter, eerie tunes, and all the charm of the famously offbeat Addams clan.
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County is tackling two major traffic challenges — and it’s asking residents to weigh in while preparing to break ground on a major intersection upgrade.
Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
