A groundbreaking was held last week for the second phase of the Verling Park project in Gordonsville.
Last summer, the first phase was completed, commencing in the opening of the new Gordonsville Town Pool. The pool had been a project in the making for decades and consisted of removing the circa-1950s Dix Memorial Pool and replacing it with a modern, regulation-sized swimming pool and adjacent kiddie pool. The project was approximately $3.9 million.
Now, work on the second phase has begun which consists of a new pavilion and playground, as well as walking paths and an event lawn. In December, the project was awarded to the lowest bidder, Faulconer Construction, at a cost of approximately $2.9 million. The bid from Faulconer was among four bids received for the project.
Fundraising is ongoing for the second phase of the park project. A substantial portion has been raised with approximately $600,000 left to fund. The town voted in December to cover the costs upfront and be reimbursed by the fundraised proceeds. Council members said they owed it to the town residents to complete the project.
The Town to Trail organization is continuing to fundraise for the project. The nonprofit began its work in 2017, first as a work group under the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and later as a registered 501c3. The group has worked diligently to assist the town in the park project. According to secretary Liz Samra, under the 2025 Town to Trail Event Area Campaign, $125,800 was raised from individuals and foundations. That amount was matched through the Land Water Conservation Fund Grant for a total donation of a quarter of a million. Town to Trail successfully raised the amount needed for the pavilion, which will be 150% the size of the former structure, and is now focusing on constructing pathways throughout the park. The group’s new “Connect the Park: Help Build the Paths That Bring Us Together” campaign will raise funds for 1,277 feet of walking paths. All money raised is eligible for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant match, effectively making a $1 donation worth $2.
“Donated funds will support pathway-related costs such as site preparation and grading to achieve safe, even surfaces; base materials and compaction for durability; ADA-friendly surfacing and necessary transitions at connection points to park amenities and sidewalk links,” Samra said.
She said the paths will be six feet wide to allow people to walk side-by-side. Once completed, Samra said the park will be a nice gathering place for town residents and families.
Town manager Anthony Schienschang agreed. He said the park project benefits everyone and will be the location for new events including music in the park and the movies in the park. The town has hired a new director of parks and recreation, Andrew Valdez, who is planning programs and events. Up first will be the revitalization of the town’s swim team. Plans are in the works for a new Gordonsville Community Swim Team with the Jefferson Swim League. The town was home to the Gordonsville Orcas for several years. Plans are also underway to offer swimming lessons at the pool this summer.
During Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony, representatives from Faulconer Construction said they hope to have the second phase of the park completed by mid-July. Demolition on the existing pavilion began Wednesday.
Fundraising will remain ongoing for the Verling Park upgrades.Donations may be made through Town to Trail online at https://www.towntotrail.org/donate or by mail to PO Box 132, Gordonsville VA 22942. Donations can also be made through the town online at https://pay.paygov.us/EndUser/PaymentAgency.aspx?ttid=22641 or by mail to Town of Gordonsville-Park Project, 112 S. Main Street, PO Box 276, Gordonsville, VA 22942.
