Elizabeth River Trail to Celebrate Grand Opening of Trailside Headquarters with Community Event on Celebrate Trails Day

NORFOLK, Va. – The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation invites the community to celebrate the official Grand Opening of its new Trailside Headquarters in conjunction with Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

This free, family-friendly event will bring together residents, partners, and visitors for a morning of community connection, celebration, and discovery in the Chelsea District of Norfolk.

“This is a truly pivotal moment for the Elizabeth River Trail,” said Executive Director Kindra Greene. “For the first time, we have a permanent, public-facing home right on the trail itself. Our HQ is a space where we will be able to connect more deeply with our community through education, events, and shared experiences. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rails to Trails Conservancy and approach our Foundation’s 10 year milestone anniversary this November, this new Trailside Headquarters represents how far we’ve come and the incredible momentum we’re building for the future.”

Event Schedule
8:30 am – Donation-based yoga with Bhav Brigade at the green space by Fergus Reid Tennis Center: 911 Orapax St.
9:30 am – Elizabeth River Trail Foundation Trailside Headquarters Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 715 Orapax St. Ste. E
10:30 am – Botanical Tour with Norfolk Master Gardeners
11:00 am – Vibe ‘N Roll with Rollbounce Rollout (all wheels!)
10:00 am to 1:00 pm – Celebrate Trails Day activities

Celebrate Trails Day Activities
Guests will enjoy a variety of interactive and community-driven experiences including:

Spinclusion adaptive cycling rides
Build Your Own S’Mores Bar
Chelsea Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Debut of Fairy Doors of the ERT public art installation

Participants who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered to win prize giveaways.

Giveaways & Prizes
REI Camping Chairs (Set of Two)
REI Camping Tent
VIP Tickets to Bayou Bon Vivant
Gift Certificate for a Bike Tuneup at REI

Fundraising Activations
The event will also highlight opportunities to support the Elizabeth River Trail:
The first 100 Trailblazer sign-ups (monthly recurring gift of $10) will receive a complimentary Hydro Flask ($35 value). Attendees may purchase additional entries for giveaway prizes.

First Look at the New ERT Headquarters
Visitors will get an exclusive preview of the first-ever ERT Trailside Headquarters and its features:

Fleet of 8 Rentable Bicycles
Public Hydration Station for Trail Users
Trail Mix Dispenser (Trailblazer-exclusive perk)
Kids Reading Nook
Sneak Peek of the future outdoor classroom and urban agriculture plans
Retail Space featuring the Debut of fresh new ERT merchandise including boonie hats and campfire mugs
Local artist Mural Installation and Mobile Installation

Family-Friendly Programming
The event will include activities designed for all ages:
Design Your Own Trail Art Station
Sidewalk Chalk
Hula Hoops
Yard Games

Chelsea Community Block Party
Celebrate Trails Day will extend into the surrounding neighborhood with a Chelsea Block Party featuring location organizations and vendors including Visit Norfolk, VA Pathways to Justice, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, 70/30 Design Studio, VA Zoo and more!

Food and beverage vendors will be announced closer to the event.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides the planning, program, and advocacy for the Elizabeth River Trail, (a designated National Recreation Trail), to connect Naval Station Norfolk to the Virginia Beach Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, and historic attractions and is within a 5-minute walk of 28 neighborhoods. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculptures, a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, The Glowline, and most recently, the installation of the first ERT hydration station. Major sponsors include CHKD, Downtown Norfolk Council, PRA Group, and the City of Norfolk.