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Roanoke County records deed for Explore Park, lays out expansion plans
Summary
Chairman David Radford said deeds transferring Explore Park to Roanoke County were recorded on Aug. 20, 2025; the county plans expanded lodging, vendors and six miles of greenway as part of a push to grow tourism and outdoor recreation.
Roanoke County officials announced that the county has completed the transfer of Explore Park and plans to expand the park’s offerings to boost tourism and local economic activity.
"The deeds transferring Explorer Park to Roanoke County were officially recorded on 08/20/2025," Chairman David Radford said during the State of the County address. Radford credited conversations led by deputy county administrator Doug Blunt and Vice Chair Phil North and said state lawmakers helped sponsor enabling legislation that was signed by the governor.
Why it matters: Explore Park, which Radford said attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year, has been transitioned from a long-term lease to county ownership. Officials said the county has already invested more than $15,000,000 in infrastructure, recreation and operations at the park and that full ownership will allow plans for more overnight lodging, vendor opportunities and completion of about six miles of greenway.
Details and context: Radford described past investments at the park — cabins, a campground, Treetop Quest, a mountain-bike skills center and a disc-golf course — and listed signature events that bring visitors, including an annual Illuminate event and national mountain-bike competitions. He said the park spans roughly 1,100 acres and includes land in Bedford County.
Authority and process: Radford credited state Sen. Chris Head and Delegate Will Davis for sponsoring legislation that the speech said passed the General Assembly and was signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin; Radford did not provide a statute citation during the address.
Next steps: County leaders said they will pursue expanded lodging, vendor partnerships and greenway connections that will link Explore Park more directly to Downtown Roanoke and other regional trails.
The county’s statements about deed recording, visitor counts and investment totals were made during Radford’s address and reflect figures presented publicly by county officials.
