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: July 02, 2012
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Despite storm damage, Virginia State Parks remain ready for holiday week visitors
(RICHMOND) - Despite a series of damaging storms across Virginia, 31 Virginia State Parks are open and ready for visitors during this holiday week, although three state parks remain closed after losing electricity during the weekend windstorms.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
"Four parks lost electricity, and high winds damaged some trees, but statewide, we're ready for visitors on Independence Day, and in the days and weeks to follow," said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. "Virginia State Parks are an important and fun vacation destination for millions of visitors each year and, while the storms were a disruption, we continue to invite visitors to enjoy our pools, beaches, picnic shelters, boating, programs and the many other activities and offerings that make vacations in our state parks special and memorable."
The following state parks are without electricity and are closed: Douthat, in Alleghany and Bath Counties; Holliday Lake, in Appomattox County; and Mason Neck, in Fairfax County.
Electricity at James River State Park, in Buckingham County, was restored Monday afternoon, and the park will reopen Tuesday.
Parks will reopen as soon as electricity is restored. As information becomes available, status updates will be posted to individual park pages on the state parks website: www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park in Warren County and Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County are open, but the trails in both parks are closed because of downed trees and broken branches.
DCR staff are contacting visitors with reservations at the closed parks, to alert them to the closings. Employees are also contacting visitors who were forced to leave parks over the weekend to offer refunds.
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