The Roanoker - January/February 2019 - 39
written by DAN SMITH
Explore PArk's
20-YeAr PlAn
Driven by Citizen Passions
People want more to do outside these days.
That perspective is driving not only the changes at Explore Park,
but also at Roanoke County Parks & Rec in general.
T
(FACING PAGE) BONE AND SOL PHOTOGRAPHY
HE TERM "RENAISSANCE" MAY be a bit strong in
describing the new initiatives from the Roanoke County
Parks and Recreation Department, but there's something
significant afoot, beginning with a new direction for the
Explore Park.
Explore, initially envisioned as a Lewis & Clark theme park, has
been through several iterations since then, but a new master plan
has designated it an "adventure park," one that will be operated and
developed by the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authorities for at
least 99 years.
"We're going to do something totally different," says Director
of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Doug Blount. "Previously, it was
about history, but now, we want to concentrate on outdoor recreation.
Roanoke County wants to have a recreational destination so that locals
can experience the outdoors, and it will be a lure for tourists, as well."
Explore, which was chartered in 1985 and opened nine years later,
TheRoanoker.com
was initially a living history museum, concentrating on the 1840s
homesteads and the Lewis & Clark expedition west. Over the years,
it has evolved away from that intent and now has a completely different
focus, one more in line with economic development goals in the 21st
century. The focus will be "expanding recreation opportunities, such as
hiking/biking trails, [Roanoke] River access, overnight camping and
educational programs" stressing environmental and cultural history.
There will be a partnership with business throughout the development.
Phasing in the new Explore Park will take about 20 years, says
Blount. Connection with the Blue Ridge Parkway (which draws 16
million visitors a year) will be important to Explore's success. The initial
plan, says Blount, "was 20 years ahead of its time. If the money had
been brought forth 10 years ago, it could have worked," but it wasn't and
didn't. "It took the right timing, citizens craving outdoor experiences."
The model, says Blount, will "be different because we'll bring in
private business for recreational amenities." Blue Mountain Adventures
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
39
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The Roanoker - January/February 2019
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - January/February 2019
The Roanoker - January/February 2019 - Intro
The Roanoker - January/February 2019 - Cover1
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