Fredericksburg

Walker-Grant Middle Wins $5K Grant to Expand Library Collection

By Potomac Local News

The Fredericksburg school was chosen from applicants in 38 states to receive part of more than $1 million awarded this year. The funds will allow Walker-Grant Middle School to enhance its library offerings by purchasing new graphic novels, books in multiple languages, and updating its collection of essays.

The Laura Bush Foundation focuses on helping school libraries with the greatest need and aims to cultivate a love of reading among students. Since its launch in 2002, the foundation has provided $23 million in funding to more than 4,000 schools across the country.

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Two Routes Rise to the Top for New Rappahannock River Bridge, Say FAMPO Planners

By Potomac Local News
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Two potential river crossing corridors have emerged as frontrunners in the effort to ease regional congestion and strengthen north-south connectivity across the Rappahannock River, according to FAMPO staff recommendations presented Monday, May 19.

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New Elementary School Zones Coming in 2025

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Do you know which elementary school your child will attend next year? 📚

Fredericksburg City Public Schools has released a newly approved elementary school zone map that will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. In a Facebook post, the school division encouraged families to explore the changes, share the news with others, and prepare for what’s ahead.

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Fredericksburg’s Splash Pad Is On!

By Potomac Local News

In a Facebook post, Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events invited families to come cool off and enjoy the splash pad, now running for the season. The downtown park, located at 701 Sophia Street, also includes green space, a playground, and scenic views of the Rappahannock River.

Riverfront Park was named Virginia’s Best New Facility in 2023 and sits just steps from local shops and restaurants, making it a great stop for summer outings.

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Upcoming Summer Programs & Events in Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News
SONY DSC

From live music and lunch in the park to evening kayak tours and family-friendly summer camps, the city is rolling out activities for all ages and interests. “May is when the floodgates open for us,” said Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation, during a recent appearance on the Potomac Local Live podcast. “It’s a really exciting time.”

🧺 Picnic in the Park Returns

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Rappahannock River Floods Again, But Fredericksburg Crews Were Ready

By Potomac Local News

The river reached its peak early on May 15 following heavy rainfall in the Shenandoah Valley the day before. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for Fredericksburg, as the 13-foot crest marked the official start of flooding, according to local river gauge data.

City staff quickly activated their flood preparedness plan at Old Mill Park, the city’s most popular park located right along the river. That included removing porta-potties, pumping out bathrooms, and detaching fixtures at risk of water damage.

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From Suits to Sippy Cups: Fredericksburg’s Picnic in the Park Grows Up (and Down)

By Kelly Sienkowski
(Photo: Facebook | Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events)

Every Tuesday, hundreds of people gather in a Fredericksburg park for one reason: lunch, music, and community. What started in the early 1990s as “Lunch at Hurkamp Park” has become a regular community event known today as Picnic in the Park. Organized by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation, the event is held on Tuesdays in May and June at Memorial (Kenmore) Park. The event was originally created by a former Parks and Recreation Director as a way for downtown employees to take a lunch break outside. Over time, it grew into a weekly event for families, drawing larger crowds and offering a wider range of activities.

When Sammy Walker took over the event planning in 2018, attendance had already outgrown Hurkamp Park. The event was relocated to Memorial Park to accommodate more people. Walker said an average of 300 to 500 people attend in May. Once school ends for the summer, attendance rises to 500 to 800 each week.

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Get Ready to Pay: Fees Resume at Old Mill Park and Falmouth Beach This Weekend

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors heading to the Rappahannock River will notice something familiar at two popular parks: entrance and parking fees are back for the summer season.

At Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, fees will be collected Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Labor Day. Non-residents—those who live outside the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County—will pay $15 per car or $5 per walk-in visitor aged 12 and up. City and county residents can enter for free with valid ID. The park remains open daily but closes from dusk to dawn.

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Repairs Start This Week on Fredericksburg’s Historic Courthouse Bell Tower

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Crews began structural repairs to the historic Renwick Courthouse bell tower on Monday, May 19, marking the start of a four-month restoration effort to preserve one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Scaffolding will be installed around the bell tower in the project’s first phase. Greensboro, N.C.-based WxTite, LLC was selected for the job following a competitive bidding process. According to city spokeswoman Caitlyn McGhee, the company was chosen for its experience working on historic buildings and its expertise in traditional restoration methods.

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Crash Shuts Down I-95 Local Lanes Near Rappahannock Bridge Saturday Night

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Fire and Rescue says all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down around 8:45 p.m. Saturday in the area of mile marker 132.9/133, just north of the Rappahannock River bridge, following a traffic crash. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

About 15 minutes later, the Virginia Department of Transportation clarified that the closure affected the local lanes of I-95 northbound. In a social media post just before 9 p.m., VDOT said the entrance ramps to I-95 northbound from Exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg were closed due to the crash near mile marker 132.

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