EDA presents Rotary Torrehouse Park plan; board asked to schedule public input and pursue grants

The Economic Development Authority presented a conceptual development plan for Rotary Torrehouse Park at the Dec. 9 work session, asking supervisors to take the lead on public information sessions and to allow the EDA to invite potential funders.

“Sports tourism has a great deal of potential to strengthen our local economy,” the EDA representative (identified in the transcript as Woody) told the board, adding, “We have the land, and we have the hotels.” The EDA said it has worked closely with Parks and Recreation and expects to finalize deliverables from TRC after receiving board feedback.

Parks and Recreation staff urged several refinements and recommended that emergency services, fire/rescue and the sheriff’s office review the plan. The parks official recommended at least three public meetings — two at night and one during daytime hours — and suggested using the department’s printed display and online survey tools so residents who cannot attend can provide input.

The EDA also asked the board to permit a meeting that would include potential funders: the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation were named as possible sources of construction grant money in exchange for conservation easements on portions of the park. The EDA representative noted a grant application deadline appearing in the materials (June 15, 2026) and asked staff to compile critical grant deadlines to help schedule outreach and application work.

Board members emphasized that the plan is conceptual and will be implemented in phases, with realistic expectations for a long-term timeline. One supervisor estimated development could take a decade or longer in its entirety but praised the initiative as a strong start.

Next steps: board members agreed to review the draft, submit questions to the EDA ahead of the Jan. 13 work session, and coordinate public meeting dates and outreach strategy.