There are many ways we listen to our guests when you contact Virginia State Parks, from the "Your Opinion Counts" survey after a visit, to our many social media channels.
"Are we having fun yet?" We really want to know!
All your comments are valuable to us
A recent comment on a blog article caught my eye and I thought you would enjoy reading it too. It was posted on an article "Bear Creek Lake State Park:
"Thanks for the 11 things to do. We look forward to working on some of those items in Jan. My girl scouts are looking forward to your beautiful park and doing some hiking and Geocaching while we are there. see ya soon…."
– Jeannie Westmoreland, 11/27/2014
"Great to hear it. Let us know if we can be of any help!"
– Nancy Heltman, 11/27/2014
I thought it was worthwhile sharing with you the many ways we listen:
Facebook
We have posts, photos and comments to our Virginia State Parks Facebook page that we take serious. This question was posed today:
"Is there anyway that I could get three of the "First Day Hike" bumper stickers? We hiked at Grayson Highlands State Park, but did not go with the group, we started earlier, because we drove 2 hours to get there and didn't want to be so late getting home."
Our response was that we are looking into it right now and appreciate her contacting us and participating in one of the coldest first day hikes at Grayson Highlands State Park, well done!
We love it when you share your thoughts and questions with us on Facebook. Whether it be about the article shared there, or a photo. So don't be shy, we listen. Even the Virginia State Parks Director drops in from time to time to read what you write!
Twitter
Twitter is fun! Byte-sized conversations, photos, and links. Hikers start 2015 on the right foot at Pocahontas State Park" that someone shared with us on Twitter.We love this stuff! We also respond to your comments here.
Blog
We work hard writing interesting blog articles about our parks and people. Events, wildlife, volunteerism, favorite cabins, favorite trails, geology, photography, a day in the life of, accessible trails, community groups, and more! You can always leave a comment on a blog article that we share either on VirginiaOutdoors.com blog itself!
Trip Advisor
Guests are able to review each state park on a Trip Advisor specific page. We ask that you contact us if there were any pitfalls during your stay so we can try to rectify them. But of course by all means share your experience on Trip Advisor, as that is the most widely known online review site. Here are a couple reviews from Trip Advisor:
Happy Senior01 wrote about Hungry Mother State Park:
“One of the best Virginia State Parks!”
My husband and I along with my daughter and granddaughter stayed in Cabin #20. This was the first time visiting this park and it was very enjoyable. Our son and his family camped. The swimming lake is awesome – has paddle boats, kayaks and 4 life guards. There is a 5 mile easy walking trail around the lake – we did part of it. Also there are more adventurous trails. I recommend this park for your next family vacation!
Zxba wrote about Hungry Mother State Park:
“Love it but no tv.???”
We love staying in these quaint cabins. Family be warned there is no TV. They need to wake up and give this service to young family's. Director step up and bring this facility into the 20th century . Even 21st.
elinorelisabeth wrote about Smith Mountain Lake State Park:
“Nice cabins and quiet in the off season”
We have stayed at the state park at Smith Mountain many times and love the lakeside cabins. They have recently been renovated even though they were already in good shape. Off season the cabin area is quiet and the view from the cabin and porch of the water is lovely. There are good restaurants and groceries nearby. The hiking is poor at Smith Mountain probably because most people are there for the lake and the facilities focus on water use. We like to canoe there but during the season the lake is full of large boats and jet skis which make canoeing more difficult.
Google Plus
We love it when you share photos from your visit with us on Instagram! Spread the word and we will too. State Park'ers are so much fun!
Your Opinion Counts Survey
In order to save paper, this survey is now available online. A link is sent out to every overnight guest and day visitor. There is a team who reads and reviews the comments on these surveys and hands them off to the appropriate person should there be a need to address.
eNews
We print your travel stories and photos. Like this one from the last eNews by park goer Becky Mihalovich"Endorphin Tri Fitness Team Participates in First Day Hike" more here.
Endorphin Tri Fitness Team Participates in First Day Hike 2015 at Leesylvania State Park
Or this article by Rebecca Wood "Ten Activities In Virginia State Parks For Kids Who Aren't Walking Yet" more here.
Emailand Phone
Nancy shares her personal email and phone number with you on all of these channels, always ready to lend an ear to a problem or praise.
"We're here for you!" Your family and friends at Virginia State Parks
Nancy Heltman
804-786-5057
Visitor Services Manager
