King and Queen County has purchased five acres of land close to the county library to develop a new park for residents, a move that addresses a notable gap in local recreation: the county currently has no county-owned parks at all.
The Daily Press reported Tuesday that the county purchased the property. The county says it will first plan the site’s future use; no park features have been finalized. In a county news release cited by the newspaper, officials said the acquisition is intended to preserve open space, improve quality of life and expand outdoor recreation.
No Finished Design Yet, But a Plan Is Coming
Before work begins, the county plans to develop a park master plan, evaluate site conditions, identify funding for improvements and seek public feedback on what the property should become, according to the report. No dates or details for the feedback process have been announced.
Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Berry described the purchase as a long-term investment in outdoor access and a place for residents to gather. The county also said the acquisition fits broader efforts to plan for community growth, expand recreation and protect natural resources.
A County Rich in Nearby Wild Spaces, but Short on Its Own Parks
King and Queen County is adjacent to two major state forests and within an hour’s drive of eight wildlife management areas. Those nearby public lands offer outdoor options, but the new site would be the first park land owned and managed by the county.
How nearby state forests are managed
The Virginia Department of Forestry describes state forests as working forestland managed to provide a steady supply of timber. The department says permissible recreational uses vary by forest, so access can differ among individual sites.
County Administrator Vivian Seay said residents will be involved as officials decide how the property can best serve the community.
For now, the purchase itself is the headline news: a small but symbolic first step toward giving King and Queen County a park it can call its own. Residents interested in tracking next steps, including any future public meetings on the master plan, can follow updates through the King and Queen County Board of Supervisors meeting schedule.
