The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) received a 2025 Governor's Environmental Excellence Gold Medal Award for the first phase of the James River Land Improvements Project at the Environment Virginia Symposium on April 8. Hosted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the annual awards recognize VHB and HRSD’s successful and innovative efforts to improve Virginia’s environment.
As part of the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) program, HRSD, VHB, and the City of Newport News partnered on this project that included shoreline restoration and the development of a linear park and trail system at the confluence of the James River and Deep Creek. The project will provide public access to river views, connect to Riverview Park and City Farm Park, and extend an existing trail network while protecting HRSD’s assets from shoreline erosion.
The first phase of trail upgrades includes a new mile-long trail system with boardwalks along Flax Mill Creek, Deep Creek, and the James River. Consistent with HRSD’s sustainability goals, VHB designed the new trail network to have minimal impact and include at-grade sections, elevated boardwalks spanning wetlands, and multiple trailhead locations. The expanded trails are safe, accessible, and include educational resources that allow visitors of all ages to explore local ecosystems and discover the history of the park.
The project features an innovative stormwater management solution that offers region-wide benefits, including increased capacity for greater volumes and improved quality of stormwater. VHB also supported public outreach and grant writing efforts for this project, successfully authoring a $300,000 Recreational Trails Program grant to assist in the project development.
“VHB is proud to be recognized for the James River Land Improvement Project with the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award,” said Ricky Wiatt, PLA, Senior Landscape Architect. “These upgrades are promoting active mobility, accessibility, wildlife protection, and waterfront placemaking—our goals from the beginning. We’re thrilled to see the impact this project has already had on the local community and state of Virginia.”
Full list of Environmental Excellence Award winners.
