Participating in a ground breaking for new VMI training areas are (l-r) Lexington City Manager Jon Ellestad; Brig. Gen. R. Wane Schneiter, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty; Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, superintendent; Brig. Gen. Robert Green, deputy superintendent for finance, administration and support; Col. Mike Strickler, assistant to the superintendent; and Lt. Col. Dale Brown, director of construction. (VMI Photo by Kevin Remington)

VMI Breaks Ground for New Training Grounds   LEXINGTON, Va., Sept. 11, 2009 – Ground was broken for a project to expand and upgrade training facilities for Virginia Military Institute on Sept. 9. “This project provides a capability for the entire Corps of Cadets in terms of their objectives, their team goals, and their fitness,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, superintendent. “It will provide facilities for ROTC, our NCAA athletes, and our club sports athletes.” The project, which is expected to be completed during the summer of 2011, will provide improved facilities to train cadets in military, athletic, and leadership skills. The $15 million state-funded project known as the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds will support military and training programs offered through the Institute’s Department of Physical Education, ROTC, and the Commandant’s Office. Located in VMI’s “north post” area along Woods Creek, the project will include, obstacle courses, a high ropes course, a baffled firing range, three multipurpose drill fields that can be used for military training and club sports, and improvements to the existing rappelling cliff. The project will require the excavation and leveling of some areas. In addition, the road along Woods Creek from Jordan’s Point to near Anderson Drive on VMI property will be closed to traffic. Pedestrian access to the Woods Creek Trail will not be affected, though at certain times as the project progresses the trail will be realigned to accommodate the construction. Cadet cars that park in the construction area are being relocated this weekend to reserved spaces on post and at the Kmart parking lot.

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