Read on for a sneak peak at the new Middle Peninsula State Park!

 Currently in conservation status, the park is not open to the public

As the Visitor Services Specialist for the southern coastal areas of the state, my regular workday consists of awesome coastal views, scenic river overlooks, and eagles flying overhead. However, I was awed by the beautiful coastline along the York River side of the Middle Peninsula State Park.

From the park's shoreline, you can see Cheatham Annex on the York River and the Coleman Bridge that spans the York River

On clear days, you can see Cheatham Annex from the shoreline

It will be a few years before the park is open to the public. The land is in conservation status and was acquired in partnership with the Trust for Public Land. A state park is a destination that can put a community on the map and in 2002 Virginia voters approved the Virginia Parks and Natural Areas Bond that started an initiative to acquire land and open new parks. Middle Peninsula is a wide 432 acre swath of land that is bisected by Aberdeen Creek Road and Carter's Cove subdivision. Right now, 75 acres are under an agricultural contract to grow soybeans, corn, and wheat.

The park will remain closed until the Master Planning process can be completed and initiated

Currently, staff from nearby Belle Isle State Park manage the land and are working on creating new partnerships with community members. One such partnership with the Rosewell Foundation has resulted in some joint programming and maintenance project that included Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps.

District Manager Fred Hazelwood and Belle Isle State Park Manager Tim Shrader discuss potential improvements at the waterfront

Middle Peninsula State Park's Master Planning process is not quite complete, but some of the benchmarks include opening for day-use by 2016, opening a small campground by 2021, and having overnight cabin facilities by 2030. 

Check back here for occasional updates about this exciting new park. Click here to view the other 35 Virginia State Parks to help you make your plans to visit one soon!