New Perspective
On a recent trail walk with our partners for the Truth Be Told audio series I was a little too excited about watching the Berkley Bridge opening. “Come on it’s opening,” I yelled running to catch that perfect moment when the bridge kicks into a handstand to let the tugs and barges through.
The group I was with, both local and out-of-towners laughed at my enthusiasm and one of them immediately shared some insight that has sat with me for the past month. I’m paraphrasing his eloquence, but it went something like this: Look at the difference in perspective when you’re walking versus driving. Those folks up there sitting in their cars are impatient. This bridge opening is a nuisance, a moment of stoppage, but down here walking, we’re witness to this moment of pause and beauty.
He was exactly right. There are many things about the ERT that I know are special, but there really is something about observing our city on foot and the way we come to know it and ourselves a little better because we are physically interacting together. It’s the sounds, smells, and sights of my city and our working waterfront that I appreciate every single time I’m out on the ERT. The way every bridge opening, every otter siting, every blooming meadow flower, and wildlife encounter still excites me.
I know how far we’ve come in eight short years as a Foundation, activating and enhancing this trail. I also am acutely aware that we have much more work to do and much more of our community to serve. Our accomplishments are only because of donors and supporters who see value in this public amenity and are willing to invest in it. If you are not already a member, please consider our Celebrate Every Mile campaign which honors the visionary community members 30 years ago who came together and imagined a trail that would replace an abandoned railroad right of way and connect West Ghent to downtown, while shining a light on historic Fort Norfolk.
Earlier this month, I had the great honor to speak to a packed room at Harbor’s Edge and share the story of the ERT Foundation, what we’ve done, and what we look to do. I knew that in that very room were many of the visionaries who were part of the original Friends of the Elizabeth River Trail group from 1994. A group that believed in connection, in active transportation, in connecting neighborhoods through nature, and providing open access to the waterfront. As I spoke to the group, I hoped that the ERT Foundation had honored their vision and that they were proud of us.
As we close another year and focus on what we can accomplish in 2025, I want you to be proud of this trail, your ERT, a gem for the City of Norfolk and a shared resource for the region. Looking to the year ahead, we will work to connect to the St. Paul’s Blue/Greenway, work with our military community to find safe access to the naval station, and serve our service members the way they serve us. We will partner with Heard Productions to bring Truth Be Told to the ERT and work so that everyone can see themselves on the trail.
May your 2025 be full of excitement in the small things. May you have a new perspective of the trail as a trailblazer member and partner with us as we connect closer with one another.
