Pittsylvania County receives more than $400,000 in grants to restore Wayside Park

CHATHAM, Va. (WSET) -- A beloved park in Pittsylvania County will soon look brand new.

The Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation department was awarded two grants for the renovation of Wayside Park, a 50-acre park just outside the Town of Hurt.

The Danville Regional Foundation awarded a $306,540 grant and J. T. – Minnie Maude Charitable Trust awarded a $100,000 grant. These grants are part of the $713,000 park renovation project. So far, the county has secured $563,000 in grant funding to make the renovation a reality.

Parks and Recreation Director, Mark Moore, is excited to get started on the park improvements.

“Wayside Park is a revered location for the northern Pittsylvania County community and is a wonderful recreational asset for the county," Moore said in a release, "Just mentioning the park to residents elicits stories, smiles and fond memories of family outings and school field trips there.”

Wayside Park was originally built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) under direction of the National Park Service and the Virginia Department of Highways as a recreation area and rest stop for travelers. Wayside is one of seven waysides built in Virginia by the CCC. The park was deeded over to the county in 1983 by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and sets on land once owned by the Hurt Family including the Town of Hurt’s namesake, John L. Hurt, and former United States Congressman Robert Hurt. Existing park features include a wooden, hanging bridge, stacked-stone grills, restroom and a large shelter.

Park improvements include the creation of walking trails and the addition of a playground, restroom, small amphitheater, new signage and outdoor pickleball courts.

The renovation project is set to begin later this year and will take two years to complete.