The Unveiling of the Butterfly Walk: A New Sensory Trail in Rocky Mount

Date: October 30, 4:00 PM

Location: 315 Technology Drive (adjacent to the dog park), Rocky Mount, VA

Rocky Mount, VA – The Town of Rocky Mount, in collaboration with United Way of Roanoke Valley, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Rocky Mount Police Department, is excited to announce the unveiling of the new Butterfly Walk, a unique sensory trail designed to promote physical activity and mindfulness for individuals of all ages. The official unveiling will take place on October 30 at 4:00 PM at 315 Technology Drive, adjacent to the dog park.

The Butterfly Walk is part of the broader Sensory Trail Project, which aims to provide individuals and families with an engaging, safe, and healthy outdoor space. Nestled in Rocky Mount Community Park, a 17-acre green space conveniently located near key community resources, the 0.75-mile trail will offer an inclusive and interactive experience for nearby neighborhoods. The park is in close proximity to the Essig Recreation Center for Franklin County Seniors, the Franklin County YMCA, Piedmont Community Services, and the Stepping Stone Mission Soup Kitchen, making it an accessible location for many of our community’s most vulnerable residents.

The trail is envisioned as a green haven, encouraging increased physical activity and mindfulness while enhancing mental and physical health. United Way of Roanoke Valley has made an initial investment in the project by commissioning large wooden butterflies, which were painted by children from the neighboring YMCA. These colorful butterflies will be professionally mounted along the trail, inviting children to proudly share their art with their families and the community.

The Monford D. and Lucy L. Custer Foundation has generously awarded a $35,000 grant to support the further enhancement of this project. This funding will enable the installation of permanent, commercial-grade sensory elements, including sculptural outdoor musical instruments and signage that engage all five senses. These additions will provide trail users with an interactive and enriching experience that fosters a deeper connection with their surroundings.

The trail is a vital part of the revitalization of the North Main Corridor, which serves as an essential gateway to the Town of Rocky Mount. This corridor hosts important community resources, including the county’s only public middle school, its largest employer, and a variety of educational, commercial, and residential spaces. The Butterfly Walk will contribute to the ongoing transformation of this area into a thriving and vibrant community hub.

Future plans for the Butterfly Walk include educational and wellness programming, with health and human services partners offering mindfulness, disease prevention, family engagement activities, and nature education. These programs aim to enrich the lives of trail users and support the overall wellness of the Franklin County community.

We invite everyone to join us for the unveiling of the Butterfly Walk on October 30 and to explore this exciting new resource for our community.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact: Leslie Clark, United Way of Roanoke Valley Director of Family Health Strategies at (540) 777-4209 or Daniel Pinard Franklin County Cultural and Economic Development Director at (540) 798-7869