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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 18, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Friends of Occoneechee State Park named Virginia State Parks’ Friends Group of the Year

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: (L) Assistant Park Manager Austin Peightel, (M) Friends of Occoneechee President John Taylor, (R) Park Manager Chris Doss )

CLARKSVILLE, Va. – Friends of Occoneechee State Park has been named Friends Group of the Year by Virginia State Parks. The recognition is part of the park system’s 2023 Volunteers of the Year Awards, which recognize the exceptional dedication and contributions of individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer service to parks.

The Friends Group of the Year Award celebrates a group’s exceptional commitment to the preservation, enhancement and promotion of the park in which they support.

At Occoneechee State Park, the 23-person friends group is two years old. In that time, they’ve created, organized and operated Pollinators in the Park! Day and a 5k for mental health awareness, planned Music in the Park events, restored an old shelter for outdoor interpretive programs, built and maintained trails, assisted with outreach and education programs and obtained multiple grants for education resource funding.

Friends of Occoneechee has also cultivated new relationships with local organizations, including the YMCA, Southside Behavioral Health, and libraries and schools.

“Our friends group has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the park, and their efforts have significantly contributed to our success and sustainability,” said Park Manager Chris Doss. “This award highlights their collaborative spirit, innovative initiatives and passion for making a positive impact on both the park and the surrounding community.”

For more information about Friends of Occoneechee, go to virginiaparks.org/friends-oc. To learn about the 2023 Volunteers of the Year Awards, click here (virginiastateparks.gov/blog/volunteer-of-the-year-awards-2023).

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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