The newly formed Friends of Westmoreland State Park have already initiated their first project at the park. Wednesday night, the hottest day of the week, several volunteers joined park staff to begin renovating the Civilian Conservation Corps structure referred to as the “old fountain.". The structure was built by hand by the CCC using stone found in the park.
The old stone fountain stopped working many, many years ago and was filled in, then used as a planter for flowers and native plants. While it looked lovely every spring, some park staff thought it should be restored as a focal point for park guests to enjoy the historic structure as it was in the 1930’s.
Fending off bugs and humidity, the group hand shoveled dirt from the fountain for 1 and ½ hours. Two front end loaders ran almost non stop, hauling off 14 loads of dirt.
The group did an incredible job! I was amazed how fast they worked and how much they were able to accomplish. I have always been so impressed by the hard work the volunteers do and how dedicated they are to Virginia State Parks.
With the first step in the renovation project completed, it’s on to the next! Park Manager Ken Benson would like to have the project completed to help celebrate Virginia State Parks 75th Anniversary. Westmoreland State Park is one of the original state parks that opened in June of 1936.
If you are interested in volunteering on this project, please call the park at (804)493-8821 or email Ken Benson, [email protected].