TowneBank Foundation has awarded key funding of $100,000 to make our Paradise Creek Nature Park a reality! Phase 1 of the new 40-acre park is scheduled to open to the public by December 2012. Construction of park amenities begins this spring, thanks to community supporters.

"We are indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful area in our community where the intensity of modern day life can be shed for quiet solitude," wrote TowneBank Foundation's Executive Director William T. Hodsden in awarding the grant. "While we will not be around to hear them, generations to come will thank you for having had the foresight to preserve for all time this gem of nature."

The park will be Portsmouth's third largest public park and will preserve one of the last stands of mature forest while offering canoeing, kayaking and hiking through 11 acres of restored wetlands - a place where Hampton Roads will be able to see, touch and appreciate our restored home river. Education amenities will be included throughout to offer a field station not only for the public, but for area schools.

A Capital Campaign is underway to complete Phase 2 amenities by 2015. Contact Jennifer Cahoon, 399-7487, for how you can help!

Many holiday thanks to TowneBank Foundation for this most generous of holiday gifts.