Gate City Park Nears Completion, Workshop Set for March

The Water Street Community Park is closing on completion as Gate City has received a grant to develop the park's Farmers Market.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The Water Street Community Park in Gate City, Virginia is nearing completion, with the basketball and pickleball courts finished except for court markings. The town has also received a $44,000 grant to develop a Farmers Market at the park, which will require an equal match from the town. The town council will hold a workshop in March to discuss the Farmers Market, as well as other topics like tiny homes, food trucks, and parking at the park.

Why it matters

The development of the Water Street Community Park and the addition of a Farmers Market represent an investment in the community's recreational and commercial offerings. This project aligns with Gate City's efforts to revitalize its downtown and provide more amenities for residents and visitors.

The details

The $44,000 grant from the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund will allow Gate City to create a 11-by-30-foot market site at the park for local vendors and farmers. The town has received support for the project from various local and state entities. Phase 1 of the park's construction is nearly complete, with the basketball and pickleball courts done except for court markings. The town is also working to install electric vehicle charging stations and prepare for future phases that will include a stage, public restrooms, and a splash pad.

  • The $44,000 grant requires an equal match from the town.
  • Phase 1 of the park is close to completion.
  • Council will hold a workshop on March 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Greg Jones

The Town Manager of Gate City.

Wallace Ross, Jr.

A member of the Gate City Council who asked the council to consider increasing pay for council members.

Pat Elliott

A member of the Gate City Council who agreed that the council pay issue should be discussed.

Michele Brooks

The Town Attorney of Gate City who provided a comparison of council pay to other localities.

Jamie Lawson

The Mayor of Gate City who said locations for trash bins will be announced for upcoming cleanup weeks.

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What they’re saying

“Council puts in a lot of work. We need to take a deep look and evaluate this.”

— Wallace Ross, Jr., Gate City Council Member (timesnews.net)

“It's something we need to talk about, with a new generation coming down the line.”

— Pat Elliott, Gate City Council Member (timesnews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The development of the Water Street Community Park and the addition of a Farmers Market represent an investment in Gate City's recreational and commercial offerings, aligning with the town's efforts to revitalize its downtown and provide more amenities for residents and visitors.