Freedom Park’s Multiuse Trail 3 has been designated a Virginia Treasure by the state. The 1.2 mile forested trail, which is paved and ADA accessible, winds through Colby Swamp as it connects Freedom Park to Lois S. Hornsby Middle School and J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School. Opened in May 2014, the trail provides a unique combination of accessibility and scenery through the 600 acre park. The trail is widely used by hikers and bikers, connects the school sites to the park, and has served as an excellent outdoor classroom for environmental education programs. The trail was built primarily through a grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Virginia Recreational Trails Program. Multiuse Trail 3 also features a recycled 70-foot bridge that previously spanned the Lake Powell Spillway. The Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Treasures program seeks to identify recreational treasures throughout the state in order to increase public support for conserving, protecting and maintaining Virginia’s natural resources. For more information on Freedom Park, please call 757-259-4022 or visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation under Parks and Trails.