Private property that provides an entry to a popular trail in James River Park is being donated to the city.

The donation from Josh and Carrie Belt Rogers of nearly 3.5 acres of their property near the Boulevard Bridge that is the starting and ending point for the Buttermilk Trail was announced Wednesday.

The section of trail, variously called Buttermilk Heights Trail or Buttermilk Trail West, is one of the three portions of the trail that run 4.5 miles along the south bank of the river.

The couple worked with the Capital Region Land Conservancy to ensure the public would have access to the trail in perpetuity.

According to CRLC, the Rogers subdivided their land and are giving the trailhead land to the conservancy, which plans to donate it to the city to be a piece of the nationally celebrated park.

The Friends of James River Park provided a $25,000 grant to facilitate the legal work. “Carrie and I grew up in this neighborhood —Westover Hills — independently developing our love of the outdoors by playing in these woods and hiking these trails when they were still just animal trails,” Mr. Rogers stated. Together, “we have been proud to protect the public use of these trails for the past 15 years and are thrilled this land will be conserved as parkland for all to enjoy for generations to come,” the couple noted in the announcement.

Fourth District City Councilwoman Kristen M. Nye praised the couple for expanding the park that “is regional attraction boasting over 2 million visitors a year.”

Parker C. Agelasto, CRLC executive director, who spearheaded the agreement with the Rogers, called it a boon for the public and for a healthier community.

The land could have supported 10 new homes, Mr. Agelasto stated, but instead will remain in its natural state from now on.