A plan to add a new visitor’s center to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Vienna is getting state support. The two-year state budget includes $1 million in funds for the Town of Vienna to acquire the land needed for the center. Vienna will partner with W&OD operator NOVA Parks to complete the project.
State Sen. Saddam Salim introduced the budget amendment at the request of Vienna’s Economic Development Department. “This visitor’s center is an investment which shows our commitment to the trail’s future as well as the future of bike and pedestrian travel throughout our region,” he said in a statement.
“The Visitors Center will celebrate the trail’s unique history while creating new opportunities for education, recreation, and economic development for years to come,” Del. Holly Seibold said.
Vienna and NOVA Parks announced they were partnering on a visitor’s center in April 2025, FFXNow reported. That initial plan included exploring the use of 125 Church St. and 200 Dominion Rd. It also said it would establish separate pedestrian and cycling lanes along the trail for improved safety.
This isn’t the first funding the project has received. The late Rep. Gerry Connolly secured $1 million in federal funding in FY 2024. Another $2 million was allocated to Vienna in an appropriations package that passed in February.
Feature image by Christin Boggs Peyper
