U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, on Monday, joined local leaders for a ribbon cutting and community celebration of the new Fayetteville Town Park Bike Skills Area. This outdoor recreation project complements the public-access paved bicycle pump track opened in March 2024 at Fayetteville Town Park.

Both projects were made possible through federal funding and local partnership between the Town of Fayetteville, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), Fayette Trails Coalition, City of Oak Hill, National Park Service, and West Virginia University Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.

Speaking at today’s ribbon cutting, Senator Capito said, “The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of West Virginia’s crown jewels and a place I have been proud to support for many years. I commend the work of Fayette County leaders, NRGRDA, and countless others for capitalizing on the national park designation, working hard to create unique outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages, and for their commitment to enhancing visitor experience.”

Jina Belcher, Executive Director of NRGRDA, said, “The community listened and delivered on a meaningful outdoor recreation enhancement to Fayetteville Town Park. All of us are grateful for the continuing support and federal stewardship of our senior Senator Capito and other members of the West Virginia Congressional delegation for making these initiatives possible.” 

Andy Davis, NRGRDA’s Director of Strategic Redevelopment, led NRGRDA’s role in managing these projects funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior. “This event celebrates the network of partners which coordinated the completion of these important municipal projects within neighboring communities of Fayette County and their collective support for outdoor recreation in West Virginia,” he said.

About New River Gorge Regional Development Authority: The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s (NRGRDA) mission is to initiate, facilitate and support the economic and community development efforts within the counties of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers. More can be found at https://nrgrda.org/ 

The West Virginia Hive – NRGRDA’s entrepreneurial program – offers one-on-one business advising and professional technical assistance for new and existing business owners throughout a 13-county region of southern West Virginia. Learn more at wvhive.com