The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will hold its second public meeting to discuss the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park master plan. This plan is updated every 10 years and guides development for the park.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 3-4:30 p.m., in the Victorian Parlor at the Southwest Virginia Museum, 10 West 1st Street North, Big Stone Gap, Virginia, 24219. Attendees can also participate via Zoom and find the Zoom link at dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/sw-masterplan.
DCR planners and staff will summarize and report on previous input received at the April 2023 meeting and present key elements of the proposed master plan, including existing and proposed site amenities, experiences and phase development. They will also take questions from the audience.
Located in the town of Big Stone Gap, the park is unique among Virginia’s state parks. The main feature of the park is the Southwest Virginia Museum, which is housed in a mansion originally built by Rufus Ayers between 1888 and 1895. The park serves to collect, preserve, share and interpret the history and culture of the commonwealth’s far southwestern coal-producing counties, sustain connections with surrounding local communities and promote a sense of regional identity.
Supporting the recreational needs of the community requires the community’s input. Attendees will have the opportunity to give feedback during a portion of the meeting.
Written feedback will also be accepted through March 22. Written comments may be emailed to planningresources@dcr.virginia.gov; faxed to 804-786-9240; or mailed to Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Attn: Samantha Wangsgard, 600 E. Main St., 24th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
For more information, visit dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/sw-masterplan.
