News Flash

ROANOKE COUNTY, VA (January 13, 2016) - Over the next few weeks Roanoke County will be accepting public input on draft conceptual plans currently being developed for Explore Park. Two open house style community meetings have been established, during which staff will be on hand to show progress to date on areas such as park circulation, natural inventory, placement of amenities and long-term development.

Community Meetings:

• Thursday, January 28 – 6pm to 8pm at Vinton War Memorial
• Tuesday, February 2 – 6pm to 8pm at South County Library

Online resources about the master plan can be found at www.ExplorePark.org/masterplan, including conceptual maps and other documents updated frequently. Public input is also welcome by phone at (540) 387-6078 or by email at ExplorePark@RoanokeCountyVA.gov.

These draft concepts are the culmination of a six month effort which included community meetings and stakeholder focus groups reaching approximately 230 individuals, as well as a community survey with 1,137 responses.

“We have been encouraged by the high level of community interest and support for Roanoke County’s efforts to revitalize Explore Park,” says Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Doug Blount. “As we enter the final stages of the master plan process, we will continue to engage with the public to ensure that our plans for the future match the recreational needs and desires of our citizens.”

Explore Park is a 1,100 acre facility located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and operated by Roanoke County, Virginia under a 99-year lease with the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority established in 2013. The County has contracted with design firm Wallace Roberts & Todd, engineering firm Balzer & Associates, and ProsConsulting to develop a master plan for the park, which will be finalized and presented to the Board of Supervisors this March.