YORKTOWN — The National Park Service (NPS) at Colonial National Historical Park and non-profit partner BikeWalk Williamsburg invite the community to celebrate National Park Week by biking, walking or running on a seven-mile portion of the Colonial Parkway for three days, April 22-24. Park staff will close the Colonial Parkway to vehicle access between Hwy 199/Kingspoint and Rt. 359 at Jamestown beginning at 7:00 am on Friday, April 22 and ending at 6:00 pm on Sunday, April 24.
The NPS encourages visitors and community members to recreate responsibly at all times, including during Pedal the Parkway. Whether seeking wide-open spaces or exploring historic areas, visitors should follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Portable restrooms and a handwashing station will be available at Archer’s Hope, thanks to generous support from BikeWalk Williamsburg. Indoor restrooms are available at the Jamestown Island Visitor Center from 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily and at the Jamestown Glasshouse. Free parking is available at the Jamestown Settlement, 2110 Jamestown Rd. and at the NPS Visitor Center on Jamestown Island.
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools students and families can to take a photo of themselves at one of the three School Health Initiative (SHIP) signs along the Pedal the Parkway route, and post it to the SHIP Facebook page (#SHIP-PTP) or email pictures to janice.kailos@wjccschools.org. The first 50 families who post or send their pictures will receive a free bike safety kit from SHIP in partnership with Conte’s Bike Shop.
Pedal the Parkway takes place during three of National Park Week’s theme days including:
Friday, April 22: sPark Action
Caring for our parks is a big job and we can all do our part to leave the park better than we found it by participating in eco-friendly activities like driving less and packing out trash. We can also take action to discover healthy habits through spending time outside in nature, mindfulness, and conservation practices, at home and in the community. #sparkaction
Saturday, April 23: sPark Curiosity
Stop by Jamestown from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for a student-led Jr. Ranger Day event before or after you enjoy Pedal the Parkway. Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society students from Jamestown High School will host a series of interactive activities. The students will perform colonial music and dance, play colonial games with participants and teach activities focused on the role of trade and waterways during the colonial period. Participants can earn a Junior Ranger Day pin by completing a few activities of their choice. #sparkcuriosity
Sunday, April 24: sPark Memories
National parks are fun to share with those we love – including those of the fluffy variety! BARK Ranger principles ensure a pet’s visit to a park is fun and safe. Pets are welcome to join you during Pedal the Parkway, just remember to bring bags for pet waste. #sparkmemories
Colonial National Historical Park, including the Colonial Parkway, is a fee area. Local community members and visitors alike are encouraged to purchase their annual entrance pass or 7-day pass in advance of Pedal the Parkway. Passes can be purchased online or in person at the Yorktown Battlefield or Jamestown Island Visitor Centers. Fee dollars collected remain at the park and fund critical facilities and visitor services projects that could not otherwise take place.
For more information about National Park Week, visit nps.gov/npweek and nationalparkweek.org.
This story is brought to WYDaily readers courtesy of the National Park Service at Colonial National Historical Park.