Department of Conservation and Recreation

Media inquiries: Please contact Gary Waugh, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5045.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 03, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR Public Relations Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov

Lake Anna State Park gains waterfront property

RICHMOND – Lake Anna State Park’s lakefront just grew by nearly two miles with the acquisition of a 367-acre parcel in Spotsylvania County. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation paid the Marvin Ware family $5.1 million for property overlooking the lake and the park’s current picnic area.

“This is a magnificent piece of property with beautiful lake views,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “We are extremely fortunate that the Ware family was interested in seeing their property become a vital part of Lake Anna State Park’s future.”

Lake Anna State Park’s master plan will be revised to determine how the new property will be used. This revision will be a public process so that local residents will have a say in how the new property is developed.

The acquisition has been in the works for more than nine months after park staff heard the property was on the market. A subdivision had been proposed but the Ware family opted to sell to the state for expansion of the park. Two citizens groups, the Friends of Lake Anna State Park and the Virginia Association for Parks, were instrumental in bringing this property to the attention of park staff and state leaders.

Lake Anna is one of 34 Virginia State Parks celebrating their 70th anniversary in 2006. For more information call toll-free 1-800-933-PARK or go online at www.dcr.virginia.gov.