SUMMERSVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It’s official! Summersville Lake became West Virginia’s 36th state park today after Gov. Jim Justice signed legislation designating the park into law.
Gov. Justice, joined by WV Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, Director of WVDNR Brett McMillion, along with local and state leaders, officially opened Summersville Lake State Park to the public on Friday.
Instead of signing the bill in Charleston, Gov. Justice signed the bill at the new state park where the sign for the park was unveiled.
Sec. Chelsea Ruby acknowledged the history in the making of establishing the new park, the first in over 30 years.
“Droop Mountain was acquired by the state in 1928, and it was created as the first state park in 1929,” Ruby stated. “So here we are nearly 100 years later gathered to dedicate the 36th park, Summersville Lake State Park.”
Governor Justice says that he is excited about the new park and the recreation that it will bring to the area.
“177 acres, a mile of lake frontage, all the rock climbing that could possibly ever go on, the developments of all kinds of stuff here,” Justice said. “It will be unbelievable, and absolutely it’s right at our fingertips.”
The 177-acre park is perched on the northern shore of the state’s largest and most picturesque lakes. The lake has been a national and international destination known for its clear blue waters and unique rock formations since opening in 1966.
Estimates show more than 1 million visitors enjoy watersports there each year. The new park, just off US-19, will immediately open the lake to additional recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The new park also includes an additional parking lot for those coming to enjoy the incredible views and world-class outdoor recreation.
The site is slated to be developed through a public-private partnership and the amenities will make it the greatest outdoor adventure park in the country.