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STAUNTON RIVER STATE PARK RECEIVES

OUTDOOR RECREATION AWARDS

SCOTTSBURG — Staunton River State Park recently received notification

of their selection for seven Outdoor Recreation Awards from

ReserveAmerica, the United States' leader in recreation reservation

services. These awards included Top 15 Biking Trails, Top 25

Bird-watching Spots, Top 25 Canoeing Spots, Top 25 Fishing Spots, Top

25 Hiking Trails, Top 25 Picnic Areas, and Top 25 Scenic Views. The

awards are based on reviews of nearly 4,000 campgrounds, including

testimonials, campground ratings and feedback provided by park rangers,

regional park management and campers throughout the year.

"If you haven't visited the park recently, you will be amazed at the

changes that have taken place," says Park Manager Josh Ellington.

Ellington attributes the positive changes in the park to the efforts of

both past and present staff, who have worked hard to make the park a

source of pride for the community. In addition, community support has

driven many of the improvements that have taken place in the park over

the last decade.

Situated on 2,400 acres, Staunton River State Park offers 48 shaded

campsites, historic cabins, picnic areas, Olympic-sized pool, and more

than twelve miles of multi-use trails.

One of the most popular activities at the park is fishing. Offering

bank fishers and boaters access to the Staunton River, Dan River, and

Buggs Island Lake, the largest lake in Virginia, there are fishing

opportunities for everyone. The variety of fish in these waters

includes bass, crappie, stripers, and catfish. The Dan River boat

launch area features improved lighting and bathroom facilities this

year.

Ellington stated "Not only is it a good day for Staunton River State

Park, but also for Halifax County. Not every county in the Commonwealth

has an award winning state park in its backyard."

Also recognized was Staunton River Battlefield State Park, listed as

being in the Top 20 Tours and Events.

Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville also received several awards

including Top 15 Amazing Spots, Top 25 Fishing Spots, Top 25 Picnic

Areas, Top 10 Romantic Spots, Top 100 Family Campgrounds and Top 20

Tours and Events.

For more information about ReserveAmerica's Outdoor Recreation Awards,

consumers can visit HYPERLINK "http://www.ReserveAmerica.com"

www.ReserveAmerica.com. For more information about Staunton River

State Park, or to make reservations, call 1-800-833-PARK (7275), or

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