CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – During the three-day August legislative special session, one of the priorities set forth by Governor Justice was the designation of Summersville Lake State Park.
In order for a state park to be established in West Virginia, it requires legislative approval from both the House and Senate along with the signature of the governor.
House Bill 124 was the official piece of legislation that both the House and Senate unanimously passed and sent to Governor Justice’s desk for a signature which will then become law and Summersville Lake State Park will become reality.
This is the first state park to be established in the Mountain State in over 30 years. The new Summersville Lake State Park will consist of over 177 acres of land and one mile of the northern shoreline.
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.
“I couldn’t be more proud to announce our newest State Park,” Gov. Justice said. “Summersville Lake is an iconic place in our beautiful state filled with a lot of special memories that span generations of families.”
Governor Justice also said there are plans to construct a splash park and a zip line within the new park.
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, Justice says.
Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia.