Key Amenities

The map available above identifies a wide range of proposed recreational amenities called for in the Adventure Plan. A few of the key items are defined below:

• In-River Kayak Park - Go tubing, kayaking or canoeing through a series of natural rapids, enhanced by in-river features that can be modified depending on water levels! This amenity would be the first of its kind in Virginia.

• Roanoke River Greenway - Imagine being able to walk or bike from downtown Roanoke all the way to Explore Park in an afternoon. When complete over the next few years, the Roanoke River Greenway will stretch 26 miles from Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park in the west to Explore Park.

• Overnight Accommodations - The master plan calls for a variety of accommodations, built and managed by an outside vendor. Space has been designated for hike-in tent camping, car camping, cabins or yurts, RV camping, and a lodge. These are all much needed amenities that fit well into the region’s tourism plan.

• Food/Retail Operations - The Brugh Tavern is available for a distillery, brewery or restaurant operation. Space has also been designated for a gas station and country store that will service the park’s new visitors and overnight campers.

• Zip-line / Aerial Park - Ranking as one of the top attraction requests on our public survey, Explore Park is well positioned for an outside vendor to build a course. The park features diverse terrain, a river crossing opportunity and Blue Ridge Parkway access.

• Bike Skills Park - The Roanoke Region is on its way to becoming nationally recognized for bike amenities. Working closely with biking advocates and the Roanoke Chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association, we’ll be seeking grant and fundraising opportunities to develop a world-class skills park. Located within the park’s core, this amenity will also preserve a pristine natural environment for all to enjoy.

• Disc Golf Course - The hills, valleys and stunning vistas within Mayflower Hills Park provide the perfect backdrop for an 18 hole disc golf course currently in development. Future rest room and pavilion facilities will also be developed here. The course will be able to host regional tournaments.

• Equestrian Areas - Utilizing connections to National Park Service designated equestrian trails, the adventure plan calls for equestrian camping and a parallel equestrian route along designated sections of the proposed Roanoke River Greenway.

• Event Venues - Enhancement of the road system will enable the Riverside Village Area (formerly historic area) to host special events. We envision the transformation of Houtz Barn into an event stage. In later years of development, the master plan calls for a concert stage on a picturesque field located on the Bedford County side of the park.

• River Access - The master plan calls for preservation of our 3-miles of Roanoke River frontage, as well as increased public access for recreation such as boating and fishing. These efforts go hand-in-hand with the regional development of a blueway system throughout the valley.

• Equipment Rental - With improved river access will come the need for rental equipment such as kayaks, canoes, tubes and fishing gear. An outside vendor will build and operate this amenity.