Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 22, 2020
Contact: Dave Neudeck, Communications and Marketing Director, 804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov
Land acquisition in Gloucester County paves way for Virginia’s 40th state park
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Machicomoco State Park)
RICHMOND — The Conservation Fund has transferred 643 acres known as Timberneck Farm to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. This transfer brings Virginia one step closer to opening its 40th state park: Machicomoco.
“Honoring the tribal history of Virginia and telling the stories of Virginia Indians is critically important in our endeavor to create a more inclusive and equitable commonwealth,” Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew J. Strickler said. “I’m pleased that this focal point is woven throughout the park while simultaneously providing more public land for Virginians to enjoy. With respect to all of Virginia’s Indigenous communities, Machicomoco State Park will stand in perpetuity so that we may learn from the past, celebrate the present and aspire to a better future.”
The name “Machicomoco” was proposed by the tribes in the region who contributed to the park design and interpretive themes. It’s an Algonquian word translated to “special meeting place,” which acknowledges the importance and purpose of the site: to educate the public about the native tribes in Virginia and share their stories.
“Machicomoco is more than a special meeting place for people, it’s a shining example of the cross section of natural and historic resources present in Virginia,” DCR Director Clyde Cristman said. “The positive impacts of securing and protecting the ecosystems here will extend far beyond the boundaries of the park. It’s truly a wonderful addition to the list of acquisitions in Governor Northam’s ConserveVirginia Initiative.”
The park is situated along the York River adjacent to the Catlett Islands between Cedarbrush Creek and Timberneck Creek. Formerly known as Timberneck Farm, it was an active agricultural farm until 2007 when it was purchased by a residential contractor and developed for large-lot housing. Some of that infrastructure will be utilized, including 4 miles of paved road with an accompanying bike trail and a gatehouse, which will serve as the contact station and office space.
Dominion Energy provided $25 million to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the land was purchased in December 2017. The funds were available through the Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton transmission line mitigation memorandum of agreement among Dominion Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers and the commonwealth.
Stipulations provided funding for land acquisition, visitor interpretation facilities, archeological investigation and preservation associated with Werowocomoco, translated in the general sense from the Virginia Algonquian language as “place of leadership” — believed to have been the political and spiritual center in the Tidewater Indian world, just 10 miles upriver.
The design and construction of the campground, the cartop boat launch on Poplar Creek, an open-air interpretive center, the picnic pavilions and restrooms were completed under Dominion Energy contracts with Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects and the Williamsburg-based general contractor Henderson Inc.
“Over the last 35 years, The Conservation Fund has worked to protect important natural and cultural resources in Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay area, and there’s still more work to be done,” said Heather Richards, Virginia state director for The Conservation Fund. “We’re pleased to assist the commonwealth and our partners within Virginia’s Indian Tribes in the creation of this new recreational and educational asset for Gloucester County.”
Under lease from DCR, the Fairfield Foundation will be restoring the historic Catlett House as a bed and breakfast and archeological interpretive events center.
“Virginia is blessed with many special places,” DCR Deputy Director of Operations Tom Smith said. “Thanks to a great partnership with the tribes of the region, Nelson Byrd Woltz, Dominon and The Conservation Fund, this 643-acre acquisition weaves together the rich coastal plain land and water resources with an even richer living cultural story.”
Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker said she’s excited to see the gates open at such a culturally important site.
“We’re thankful to the many tribal members who provided input on how their story should be told,” she said. “Those contributions are reflected in the park’s themes, layout and interpretive signage.”
Machicomoco is expected to open in early 2021 and begin its mission of increasing awareness and understanding of the Virginia Indians tribes’ histories and their futures, their use of the region’s natural resources, and their significance within the larger history of the commonwealth and ultimately the nation.
For more information, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/machicomoco-sp.
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