The community meetings are over and the website survey feedback has been analyzed; now a master plan that will help map the future for Roanoke County’s Explore Park is somewhat clearer.
The ill-fated living history museum, now being leased to the county by the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, is envisioned as an outdoor destination, developed as a public-private partnership, with lodging, improved mountain bike trails, attractions like a zip line, boat launches and eateries.
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Doug Blount calls it the Explore Park “Adventure Plan,” a 12 month project that is just about ready to be put to bed. “It’s been a really involved process, really engaging with citizens and stakeholder groups to [determine] what they wanted to see at Explore Park.”
County officials developed the Adventure Plan after an initial round of meetings, and then presented the draft version to the public again earlier this year for some final comments and tweaking. It was presented to the Board of Supervisors at a work session recently but does not have to be voted on. Some years ago when a Florida developer pitched the idea of a resort-themed history park a special zoning designation for the 1100-acre tract was created, allowing for a wide range of development.
There is no money set aside by the county save for $800,000 for water and sewer improvements – the first step before any further building can really be done, says Blount. While Roanoke County may have to chip in another ten million or so, Blount says they are looking to the private sector to donate the bulk of the money needed to develop the park. Any additional capital needs will be submitted during the next budget cycle where the county must work on infrastructure, access to Explore Park, etc.
While there were all sorts of items on the wish list during the public meetings, a number of consistent requests came to light says Blount, including river access, overnight accommodations, mountain biking, walking trails/greenways (there are already miles of trails at the park) and equestrian use.
“This will be the final plan [for Explore Park],” says Blount, “it’s really [about] bringing non-profit organizations and private developers together to implement the vision. We’re really looking at community partners.”
Gene Marrano
