WPA has made community service a cornerstone of its practice, so it’s no surprise to see firm members leading the expansion of the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT), one of Norfolk’s most dynamic urban projects. Originally envisioned by the West Ghent Neighborhood League, the Norfolk Historical Society, Norfolk Southern Corp., and the City of Norfolk, the trail first connected West Ghent to historic Fort Norfolk, a site significant for its role in the War of 1812.
Recognizing the potential to transform the trail into a world-class community asset, WPA and its partners established the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation in collaboration with the Greater Norfolk Corporation. The nonprofit organization has raised more than $4 million, including multiple state and federal grants, to enhance the existing 10.5-mile trail with expanded routes and new amenities.
As leaders of the Master Planning Committee, WPA works alongside trail enthusiasts and design professionals who donate their expertise to shape the project’s future. The firm is responsible for master planning, expansion strategy, trailhead structure design, and a comprehensive signage and wayfinding system, developed in partnership with Grow. The expansion plans extend the trail north to Naval Station Norfolk and east to Virginia Beach and South Norfolk, connecting three major universities (Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Norfolk State University) as well as Sentara Norfolk and key economic hubs.
The enhanced trail will feature 11 new trailheads serving the 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk of the ERT. Proposed amenities include kayak launches, solar lighting, playgrounds, improved wayfinding, solar-charged luminous paths, charging stations, and public art, further solidifying the Elizabeth River Trail as a premier recreational and cultural destination.
