Roanoke County assumes ownership of Explorer Park, plans more retail, events and greenway access

Roanoke County announced this year that it has taken ownership of Explorer Park from the Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority, a move county speakers said will allow more private investment and longer-term leases to expand recreation and tourism.

County speakers traced the acquisition back to talks that began in late 2024. "Starting in late 2024, Roanoke County began having discussions with our local, state elected officials about wanting to own Explorer Park," said Speaker 1, who spoke about the county's interest in moving from lessee to owner.

Speaker 2 said the Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority "demonstrated, I believe, their faith in Roanoke County and the stewardship of the land by agreeing to transfer its ownership completely to Roanoke County." Speaker 2 described the transfer as removing sublease constraints and enabling the county "to hopefully enter into additional long term leases" with private partners.

Speakers outlined near-term priorities the county intends to pursue as owner: more retail and special events, development of greenways and improved access to the river blueway system. "We hope to expand more on retail and special events and development of the greenways, access to the [river] Blueway system," said Speaker 3.

Speakers also highlighted existing amenities that form a foundation for future growth. "When we opened the park, it was very much a passive recreation park with 14 miles of mountain bike trails," Speaker 3 said, adding that the park now includes a mountain bike skills center, a greenway under construction, Twin Creeks Brewpub and the Luminites special events series.

County presenters repeatedly framed the acquisition as a long-term investment. "I think Roanoke County's acquisition of Explorer Park has been the most important thing that has happened in Roanoke County since I've been employed here," said Speaker 4, describing the decision as a milestone for county staff.

The transcript includes no record of a vote or ordinance in this session; speakers described an ownership transfer earlier in the year and outlined plans for business development and visitor services going forward. The county said it expects the park to continue attracting both regional visitors and tourists.

No timeline or final implementation steps for specific leases or capital projects were specified in the transcript.