All levels of paddlers welcome to preserve the Appomattox River during the 12th annual “Paddle or Battle” on Saturday, Sept. 28. Paddle or Battle is an opportunity for a recreational paddle or a competitive race in a canoe, kayak, or SUP board on the scenic Appomattox River. The 10-mile route begins at the Hopewell City Marina near the convergence with the James River and ends at Petersburg Pocahontas Island Park. New this year, Hopewell Recreation and Parks is offering a guided paddle that includes all equipment and a dedicated morning shuttle. A shorter, 2-mile-out-and-back route is available. The entire 10-mile…

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will open a new nature-themed playground at R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, 201 Enon Church Road, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. Funding came from Niagara Cares, the philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, and the project was completed in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. The first of its kind in Chesterfield, the nature playground features elements that reflect flora and fauna from the natural environment, such as ants, butterflies, frogs, mushrooms and turtles, as well as educational signage.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the preferred multi-use trail corridor identified during the Ashland to Petersburg Trail Study. Through a virtual presentation and two public information meetings, VDOT will provide an overview of the trail study process to date, present the findings from the development and evaluation of multi-use trail corridor options, present the preferred multi-use trail corridor for the development of future active transportation projects, and solicit feedback on the study findings and recommendations. The meetings will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30 at the Hilton Garden Inn Richmond South/Southpark, 800…