A 1,100-acre property with a small lake in East Waynesboro, Virginia, is being considered as a potential state park, an initiative that could expand the region’s outdoor recreation offerings and create additional tourism opportunities for nearby businesses. The property, located off U.S. 250 near the Blue Ridge Tunnel, has been discussed as a possible park site for several years. The landowner is now open to selling the tract, bringing the proposal closer to a potential acquisition.
However, the project remains in its early stages, with funding and state legislative approval identified as the primary obstacles. State Sen. Chris Head, R-Botetourt, who represents Waynesboro, said the proposed park could attract visitors from across the region, including Rockbridge County, and generate economic activity for surrounding communities.
“This would have an economic impact for the whole region,” Head said. “A state park could do a lot. This is a beautiful piece of land.”
Securing funding through Virginia’s state budget is among the immediate priorities. Head said Gov. Abigail Spanberger could potentially include funding for the proposed park in her version of the fiscal year 2028 budget, which is scheduled to be unveiled in December 2026.
“I would be pleasantly surprised if this is included in the governor’s budget,” Head said.
If the proposal is not included in the governor’s budget, Head said it could still be considered during the 2028 General Assembly session. The project would need to undergo additional legislative review, including preparation of a fiscal impact statement, before being referred to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which manages the state’s park system, confirmed that approval from the General Assembly is required before the state can acquire a new park property.
“New state parks can only be acquired with the approval of the General Assembly,” DCR Communications and Marketing Director Dave Neudeck said in a DCR statement. “Other than the recently enacted limited authority regarding a property in Loudoun County, DCR does not currently have General Assembly approval to acquire any new park anywhere in the Commonwealth.”
Support from local legislators could play a role in advancing the proposal through the budget process. Del. Ellen McLaughlin, who represents Virginia’s House District 36, including Waynesboro, serves on the House Appropriations Committee.
“Everyone agrees this makes sense,” McLaughlin said, while emphasizing that the proposal remains “in its infancy stage.”
McLaughlin also credited Waynesboro City Council member Jim Wood with advancing the initiative. Wood has advocated for the property to become a state park since taking office in 2023 and is scheduled to leave his position at the end of 2026.
“He has worked really hard on this. It’s kind of his brainchild,” McLaughlin said.
Wood said the landowner’s willingness to consider a sale represents a significant development after years of discussions about the property’s potential use.
“This now has more steam than any other major project Waynesboro has had in a while,” he told Daily News-Record. “To say I’m excited is an understatement.”
For the outdoor hospitality industry, the proposal presents a potential long-term development opportunity, although no acquisition, construction schedule, or park opening date has been established. If approved, a state park could increase visitor traffic to the Waynesboro area and create opportunities for privately operated campgrounds, RV parks, glamping resorts, and other tourism businesses to serve visitors seeking overnight accommodations.
The property’s location near the Blue Ridge Tunnel could also support broader regional tourism activity by connecting outdoor recreation with existing attractions. However, the eventual economic benefits for private operators would depend on the park’s facilities, permitted activities, visitor capacity, and operating arrangements.
For now, the proposal’s next major milestones are the governor’s fiscal year 2028 budget announcement in December 2026 and the possibility of legislative consideration during the 2028 General Assembly session.