Volunteers conducting a study on the Indian Head Rail Trail (IHRT) for the Urban Land Institute suggested expanding the trail and using it for economic development purposes on Wednesday night. The presentation was presented at the Village Green in Indian Head.
The presentation stated that the Indian Head Rail Trail is a great asset to the county but improvements could be made for economic development in Indian Head. There were also suggestions on how to market the trail for eco-tourism and heritage tourism and that the trail has a large amount of natural resources that could draw more groups to the trail. Charles County Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly (D), Commissioner Vice President Reuben Collins (D), Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st), Town of Indian Head Mayor Dennis Scheessele and Vice Mayor Ed Rice attended the meeting.
The study found that there is opportunity to bring bicyclists in to Indian Head at restaurants in the area, something that could spur economic development in the town limits by bringing in IHRT friendly businesses such as a bicyclist shop. The study found there were missing amenities such as shuttle service, lodging, a coffee shop and a diner and also recommended more signage be placed on the trail to direct trail users to local businesses, eco-tourism sites and heritage sites. Suggestions were also made to use the internet and social media to expand the online presence of the trail.
The study recommended that allowing the Indian Head Naval base to be used for a ferry service stop could bring people in from Virginia who otherwise would not travel on the beltway, as well as connections to the trail at General Smallwood Middle School and in areas around St. Charles, such as setting up connections on Billingsley Road to bring bike traffic from Westlake High School and setting up pedestrian bridges and medians along the main highways to make easier access to the trail from Indian Head and Waldorf. The plans for light rail could bring even more traffic to the trail in the future.
“I can’t believe what you’ve accomplished in a day and a half,” Robinson said. “You hit the nail on the head in content as an anchor for tourism and economic development activity in the county. We take things for granted. Hearing your response helps us understand what an asset this is and we need to focus on it.”
“This is in the Town of Indian Head so there are certain aspects we don’t have control over,” Kelly said. “We’re looking at expanding the trail west of 301. I’m happy to see that was a recommendation. We talked to St. Charles about loops on that side. I’m pleased to see you paid attention and noticed our Waldorf Urban Design plans.”
“I recall vividly when it was literally railroad tracks,” Collins said. “It’s a rarity as you discuss issues related to local government where any project is overwhelmingly supported by the residents. This will create tremendous dividends for the county in the future. I’m sold on the idea of making this a primary hub for economic development and pushing marketing in the county. As far as being in the county right now, the transition would be the issue.”
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