If Virginia remains on track to move into Phase One next week, the city's popular greenways will begin reopening on May 15th.
City officials said their plans will largely follow Governor Ralph Northam's plans to reopen business activity in Virginia and ease restrictions on gatherings.
If Virginia moves into Phase One on May 15th as expected, the Tinker Creek, Lick Run and Garden City greenways will reopen the same day. The Roanoke River greenway will reopen Tuesday, May 19th. "Greenway users are encouraged to wear face masks and are reminded of the need to maintain at least 6 foot separation from one another," Mayor Sherman Lea cautioned during an online news conference Wednesday afternoon..
Parking areas at all of the will remain closed until a later date to limit the number of people on the greenways. Wiley Drive, which is co-located with parts of the Roanoke River Greenway, will also remain closed to allow more space for greenway users to separate.
The Roanoke municipal building likely will not reopen until the state enters Phase Two, probably sometime in June.
The city is also creating a million-dollar recovery fund to assist social service agencies and businesses. An advisory group being organized by the city and the Roanoke Regional Partnership will help identify business needs.
