The Roanoke Canal Trail has received nearly 16 acres of land which when improved will offer new views of the Roanoke River.

“On behalf of the Roanoke Canal Commission Inc., I would like to thank you and Rightmyer Machine Rental for the generous donation of land ... “ says an October 7 letter from Mike Green to John Rightmyer, president of the company.

Green, the chair of the commission, explains in the letter the land is adjacent to the trail and the river, just east of Interstate 95. “This property is extremely valuable to the commission in meeting our mission to maintain the natural beauty and historic area which is part of the old Roanoke Navigation Company Canal.

“Your donation will help us do this and provide more opportunity for people to see and enjoy the natural beauty of both the Canal Trail and the Roanoke River.”

Green notes in the letter the commission would like to have a ceremony to acknowledge the donation. “We also hope in the future to be able to develop a plan to put picnicking and other appropriate improvements on this area to develop a beautiful natural park in recognition of your father Bill Rightmyer.”

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said discussions for the donations have gone on for several years. “The talks were renewed lately and the timing of the donation was right.”

Simeon explained today the property, which stretches from the Interstate 95 bridge to the cogeneration plant in Weldon, parallels the river and is, “A very valuable piece of property. It’s going to be a great addition to the trail in years to come.”

Adding this land to the trail, Simeon said, will help protect the trail itself and the history of the canal.

Before any additions are made, the Canal Commission must update its master plan and include the property in it, said Simeon.

Memorial honoring Pete Luter.

The land donation is the latest addition to trail. On Saturday, the Roanoke Rapids High School class of 1959 donated a memorial in honor of the late Pete Luter at the aqueduct. A maple tree Luter planted at his house stands over the memorial. “He enjoyed the Canal Trail so much,” Simeon said. “He enjoyed the aqueduct. We planted the tree so his family and friends can come back and remember him.”

Meanwhile, Simeon said he believes the property donated to the commission, “Has a lot of potential. The initial plans are to clear out the undergrowth so people can see a very scenic part of the river.”