Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 24, 2005
Contact:
Seven Bends State Park dedicated
Donations help create Shenandoah River park
WOODSTOCK, Va. – With the waters ofthe Shenandoah River passing silently in the background, state and localofficials today dedicated Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County, justoutside the town of Woodstock.
The land acquisition for the future state park is one of three Virginiansvoted for as part of a $119 million bond referendum in 2002. The 1,066-acrepark with nearly four miles of river frontage is the result of a purchaseand two donations.
Dr. James R. Myers of Franklin, Ohio, donated the majority of the statepark property. His gift of several parcels totals 675 acres. A bronze plaquehonoring his donation and his family was unveiled at the end of a brief ceremonyheld on the property at the river’s edge. The plaque will hang in SevenBends State Park after its future opening to the public.
The town of Woodstock is in the process of donating 85 acres to the newstate park. Town officials were also instrumental in attracting state plannersto the area and introducing the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation,managers of the state park system, to Dr. Myers.
The first parcel for the new state park was the purchase of the 306-acreCamp Lupton property. The national nonprofit
Trust for Public Land negotiated the purchase of the property on behalfof the state. The land was bought using general obligation bond funds.
“Land donations have long been an important part of the development ofVirginia’s state park system,” said W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr., VirginiaSecretary of Natural Resources.
“With the pace of development in the state, donations such as thoseby Dr. Myers and the people of Woodstock are more important – and appreciated – than at any time in our history. And, we continue to rely on valuedpartners such as the Trust for Public Land.”
The 2002 state parks and natural areas bond provided funding for the acquisitionof a Seven Bends State Park but did not include development or operatingfunds. A state park master plan must be created before the state can startdevelopment.
“We are all anxious to get this park opened. However, first we needto develop a master plan using a very public process,” said DCR directorJoseph H. Maroon. “We need to have the people of this area and thestate give us their ideas regarding what they want to see in their new statepark.” DCR intends to start the Seven Bends master planning process in 2006.
Once developed, Seven Bends will be the 35th state park. Virginia StateParks provide access to the variety of landscapes that make up the commonwealth.The parks offer a range of facilities and activities including camping, cabins,swimming, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking and more. Lastyear state park visitors spent more than $150 million in the areas surroundingparks during their visits.
For more information on Virginia State Parks call toll-free 1-800-933-PARKor visit online at www.dcr.virginia.gov.
- 30 -
Share this news release:
