Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation prepared a Master Plan for Machicomoco State Park and the neighboring Middle Peninsula unit located in Gloucester County, VA. The purpose of a Master Plan is to guide the management and development of a park by identifying natural, cultural and physical resources; identifying park needs; and engaging with the public.
The park properties are located along the York River and are closely situated to other historically significant sites such as the Werowocomoco archaeological site, the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail and the Yorktown Battlefield at Colonial National Historical Park. Machicomoco means “a special meeting place” and is Virginia’s 40th state park.
Following a public comment meeting held in November 2024 at the T.C. Walker Education Center, the public was invited to submit additional comments over a 30-day period. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) responded to this feedback and finalized revisions to the Master Plan, which was then presented to the Board of Conservation and Recreation (BCR) on January 9, 2026. The BCR approved the plan to move forward to the General Assembly for its review. After the General Assembly completed its review, the plan was submitted to the DCR Director for signature and signed on February 25, 2026 and is now considered formally adopted.
The process included the public comment meeting on November 20, 2024 at the T.C. Walker Education Center. The meeting gave the public an opportunity to learn more about the Machicomoco State Park Master Plan including the results of public opinion surveys, the Visitor Experience findings, purpose statement and themes, the goals and objectives of the Master Plan, the proposed Master Plan Map depicting locations of proposed improvements within the park, and the Phased Development Plan showing proposed improvements by phase.
Machicomoco State Park Main Unit Plan Development Map
Machicomoco State Park West Unit Plan Development Map
The public comment meeting followed a Department of Conservation and Recreation hosted public information meeting held on December 14, 2023 at the T.C. Walker Education Center.
DCR staff provided more information about the master planning process for the park, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments after the presentation. The following topics were covered:
In addition, an advisory committee composed of local stakeholders met periodically throughout the process to add suggestions and further insight into the formation of the master plan.
Download the presentation
View the meeting (YouTube)
