Patrick County tourism update outlines Goose Point partnership plan and $223,000 projected 2026 gate revenue

At the March 19 Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council meeting, Mike McGuinnes summarized a plan to enter a partnership agreement for Goose Point within the next 60 days.

McGuinnes said Patrick County would provide maintenance one day per week and would receive the 2026 gate fee, projected at $223,000, which the county would initially invest until expenses arise. He estimated operating expenses for the first fiscal period (April–October) at approximately $160,000, leaving roughly $70,000 to be invested back into Goose Point to support operations and improvements.

The update noted that Goose Point is staffed year-round, including landscapers, janitors and guest hosts, and that some small capital needs exist (one building requires a new roof). McGuinnes also discussed programming ideas to boost visitation — including events and canoeing — that could generate additional local economic activity. He said the team expects to have more detailed information on his desk in two weeks and will work through federal fund transfer details; he emphasized the plan would not use county tax dollars.

County representative Andrew Overby said the proposal “offers a lot of opportunities for Patrick County” and Chair Bessie Weber noted the council would be taking on only part of the operations to make management simpler.

Next steps: staff and partners will finalize partnership terms and financial transfers, with a target to complete a partnership agreement within 60 days and to use the April–October fiscal window to refine expense and revenue projections.