RIDGEWAY, Va. — The Town of Ridgeway celebrated the ribbon-cutting and dedication of its new athletic park on May 18, marking the completion of a project designed to expand recreational opportunities and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors.

Ridgeway Mayor Craig O’Der described the athletic park as one of the most exciting and meaningful projects he has been involved with during his time serving the community.

“I greatly appreciate the investment we received from The Harvest Foundation and Henry County to help bring this vision to reality,” O’Der said. “This project represents an investment in our youth, our families, and the future of recreation in our town. I’m incredibly enthusiastic about what this facility will mean for generations to come.”

The Town of Ridgeway received a $22,000 grant from The Harvest Foundation through its Pick Up the Pace (PUP) Small Grants Program and a $100,000 grant from Henry County, championed by Ridgeway District Supervisor Travis Pruitt. The Town of Ridgeway also contributed funding toward the project, bringing the total investment in the facility to nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

During the dedication ceremony, O’Der shared the story behind the project’s inspiration.

“The story begins with Sadie Clark, a proud Ridgeway resident who lived on this property for 74 years,” O’Der said. “After her passing, her children, Leon Clark and Phyllis Webb, honored her wishes by removing the home and wanting to see the property repurposed for the benefit of the community. Because of their generosity and vision, this land now has a new purpose that will serve generations to come.”

O’Der said the idea for the athletic facility was later sparked by conversations with his son, Nicholas O’Der, and Nicholas’s best friend, Evan House. After graduating from college and returning home, the two enjoyed playing basketball in the evenings but often struggled to find a suitable place to play.

“One evening they were giving me a hard time about not having a place to play basketball,” O’Der said. “They said, ‘You’re the mayor—isn’t there something you can do?’ At that moment, a lightbulb went off. Eureka! An athletic facility in Ridgeway. But not just an ordinary athletic facility—a premier destination where people could come together with friends and family, enjoy healthy exercise, and build community.”

The new athletic park is designed to serve as Ridgeway’s home for basketball, pickleball, street soccer, and street hockey.

“This facility will be a place where children learn teamwork, where friends compete and laugh together, and where families gather for years to come,” O’Der said.

Reflecting on the completed project, O’Der remarked, “Every time I walk through this facility and see it nearing completion, the same three words come to mind: We did it.”

He also referenced comments made by Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams during the ceremony.

“As Chairman Adams said, ‘This is another chapter in our story, and we have a great story to tell.’ Those words perfectly capture what this project represents—progress, partnership, and pride in our community.”

O’Der thanked the many individuals and organizations that helped make the project possible.

“This project was made possible through teamwork, dedication, and the belief that Ridgeway deserves first-class recreational opportunities,” he said. “I want to thank our town staff, council members, Henry County leadership, partners, contractors, and every citizen who supported this effort along the way. I especially want to recognize Ridgeway District Supervisor Travis Pruitt and Dr. Sandy Strayer of The Harvest Foundation, who were instrumental partners in the development of this park.”

The athletic park is located on Morehead Avenue adjacent to the Ridgeway Post Office and across from Dollar General. The facility features pickleball courts, basketball goals, and movable goals for street soccer and street hockey, creating a versatile recreational space for residents of all ages.

The project also includes a state-of-the-art LED sports lighting system designed and installed by Triangle Electric. Combined with additional security measures, the lighting system ensures the facility remains safe and accessible for evening use.

Visitors may also check out sports equipment and supplies from the Ridgeway Branch of the Blue Ridge Regional Library, making the facility even more accessible to the community.

For more information about the Ridgeway Athletic Park and upcoming programs, visit the Town of Ridgeway on Facebook or call Town Hall at (276) 956-2328.