Public Access and Advocacy
Public Access Committee Goals are:
to increase access to the Nansemond River, Chuckatuck Creek and tributary creeks for non-motorized boating and recreational pursuits
to generate public awareness of the historical and environmental significance of Suffolk's waterways.
Public Access Committee Accomplishments:
Through the Committee’s efforts in conjunction with Suffolk River Heritage and the National Park Service, the Suffolk Water Trail is now a part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (CAJO).
The Committee developed and printed a Suffolk Water Trails map that is free to the community and is used in the NRPA K-12 NWI Educational Program.
The Committee created three interpretive signage (kiosks) at each of the CAJO public access sites. The three public access locations with interpretive kiosks are Bennett's Creek Park, Sleepy Hole Park, and Constant's Wharf Park in Downtown Suffolk.
There were many supportive partners including the City of Suffolk and the Commonwealth of VA (through the Department of Conservation and Recreation).
Kiosk at Sleepy Hole Park
Our Current Issue: We need your help
The City of Suffolk owns a 380-acre site on the Nansemond River (formerly known as the Driver Naval Radio Transmitting Facility) that is going to be developed into a city park. It is currently being studied/planned by a consultant with public comment meetings planned in the future. There will be opportunities for public access to the Nansemond River to expand the Suffolk Water Trail program. Your help is needed to ensure that the public access site is not deleted from the plan.
NRPA is staying focused on possible future public access points along Suffolk's waterways and will need strong public support and partnerships for this expansion to take place.
Interested in exploring Suffolk’s Waterways?
NRPA collaborated with Suffolk River Heritage in the creation of this Suffolk Water Trail Map that displays the Nansemond River including its tributary creeks and marine life.
