DATE: Friday, October 24, 1997              TAG: 9710230296

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 12   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MARK YOUNG, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   41 lines

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON FRANCIS LAND TRAIL

Local history buffs anxious to take a trip back to the past can take one small step Sunday.

Officials of the Francis Land House and the city will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony at 2 p.m. to inaugurate the start of construction of the Francis Land History Park and Trail.

Speakers at the event will include State Sen. Edward L. Shrock and city officials Sara Hensley and Mac Rawls. The ceremony and brief reception with refreshments are open to the public.

The trail will open up 3.5 wooded acres of the original property including a small branch of the Lynnhaven River, which once provided the main avenue of transportation for the plantation's residents.

``This will be one more additional activity for visitors to the site to enjoy and appreciate the history here,'' said Mark Reed, the house's historic site director. ``We eventually hope to have an interpretive area constructed to be able to give programs. I think this is going to be a unique addition to what Parks and Recreation has available, natural in orientation, passive in intent.''

The first phase of the park and trail is expected to be completed by late spring and will include walking trails and overlooks of the creek and wooded wetlands area. The project is expected to cost between $150,000 and $200,000.

A walk leading to the trails will be bordered by memorial bricks inscribed with the names of interested individuals and organizations. The bricks are being sold for $50 each as a fund-raising project by the Friends of the Francis Land House.

The border could be extended to the actual trails, said the brick project chairperson, Johnnie Miller. Nearly 150 bricks have been purchased so far. MEMO: For a brick or more information about the ceremony call 431-4000. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

The Francis Land History Park and Trail will wind through 3 1/2

wooded acres on the property.

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