Tucked into the heart of Floyd County, Virginia, the Town of Floyd is a little place where residents take pride in their arts, their music, and their cultural heritage. Most of all, they are proud of their small-town character.
In 2006, the town purchased a desolate piece of farm-land from the Lineberry family. The plan was to create a place to get away. A place to enjoy and reminisce. A multi-purpose space for all ages in the community.
The land was named for the original owner of the property; local businessman and country lawyer, Warren G. Lineberry. Mr. Lineberry was influential in improving the county, as well as providing community support from the 1960’s until his death in 2003.
Since 2006, with the help of dedicated Park Committee members and the Town Council, as well as the assistance of non-profit organization, Partnership for Floyd, and grant-funding from Community Development Block Program and Virginia Department of Transportation, the hard work of many has come to fruition.
Many who shared this goal gathered community input, raised funds, and organized projects. Finally, they brought volunteers and professionals together to build the beautiful park that exists today.
The Warren G. Lineberry Community Park features the Heritage Pathways walking trail, streetscaped alcoves, public restroom facilities with ADA accessibility, a patio area, an amphitheater with terraced seating, the Pickin’ Porch, and picnic area. It has really become a community venue, open to everyone.
In 2016, the Town of Floyd worked with the New River Valley Regional Commission to formalize a Master Plan for the Warren G. Lineberry Community Park. Based on community input, play areas for children, natural-surface walking trails, and additional parking were ranked among the top five needs for further development. The plan allowed the Park Committee to prioritize these amenities; arranging for children’s play equipment, additional walking trails, and bike facilities. The Town is currently working with several local organizations to provide additional opportunities for the community.
With assistance from the Town Committee, Partnership for Floyd constructed the scenic Library Trail; creating a pathway leading from the Jesse Peterman Memorial Library to Warren G. Lineberry Community Park. The two organizations plan to explore ways of extending the trail throughout the Park, as well as around the Jesse Peterman Memorial Library. This would create additional natural-surface walking trails to engage more residents and visitors.
In spring of this year, the Town of Floyd’s first public playground will be installed within the Warren G. Lineberry Community Park. The Park Committee, comprised of Partnership for Floyd members, Town Council members, and Town staff, have met numerous times to plan and brainstorm. They wanted the most ideal playground design that would not only satisfy the needs of the community, but that would also incorporate the natural beauty that is Floyd.
Two play areas will allow for a diverse age-range, as well as a generous capacity, of children to play and enjoy the Park. Everyone is excited to watch the construction of the climbers, the slides, and the swings. They hope to further recreation initiatives, and expand upon community engagement efforts, by creating more opportunities in the Warren G. Lineberry Community Park.
This year, The Warren G. Lineberry Community Park will once again feature the annual Floyd Small Town Summer Events Series, presented by the Town of Floyd. In its third year, the Summer Events series is certain to attract many talented musicians and artists. The Town’s main objective is to provide fun, free opportunities for the community, as well as its visitors, to gather and enjoy all that is Floyd.
The Events Committee have designed a family environment in which young children can play in the Park while the adults relax and enjoy the new improvements. These bi-weekly events include great live music, movies, inflatables, face painting, food, and fun activities for the entire family. Adults, children, neighbors, and friends can all come together, listen to music and watch movies.
Thanks to a very supportive community, the Events series has grown; gaining momentum every year. Beginning June 6 and concluding on August 29, the 2019 series has an action-packed agenda of activities and fun for the entire family. The full schedule will be released in April, so be sure to check for updates online at www.FloydSmallTownSummer.com, or on Facebook at floydsmalltownsummer.
As the Warren G. Lineberry Community Park expands, the community of Floyd thrives and grows, as well. The town has developed into a haven for local artists, musicians and crafters. There are numerous boutiques that showcase the wealth of talented artisans that live and work all over Floyd County. If you are looking for a unique getaway, visit the Town of Floyd and explore all that this very unique community has to offer.