Governor Kaine Dedicates Portion of Smith Mountain Lake State Park for Late Delegate
Press Release
Governor Kaine Dedicates Portion of Smith Mountain Lake State Park for Late Delegate
- A. Victor Thomas Outdoor Recreation Area -
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the dedication of a portion of the popular Smith Mountain Lake State Park for one of the park's most ardent supporters, the late Vic Thomas. The A. Victor Thomas Outdoor Recreation Area includes the lake's only swimming beach, the park's boat launch area and lakefront picnic areas.
Friends and members of the Thomas family, local legislators and other state officials, attended the dedication at the park.
"Vic Thomas was a friend to the state parks, to outdoorsmen, conservation and to the people of Virginia," said Governor Kaine. "Vic had a real soft spot in his heart for this lake and this park. His many efforts on behalf of this state park and all Virginia State Parks will not be soon forgotten."
Thomas served in the Virginia House of Delegates representing Roanoke for 30 years. He served as chair of the House Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources for many of those years.
In 1986 he sponsored a budget amendment that led to the development of the swimming beach complex at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. It remains the only public swimming beach on the lake. Thomas's efforts in supporting the 1992 State Parks and Natural Areas General Obligation Bond Referendum led to building the park's 20 rental cabins. When built in the mid-1990s, these became the first cabins built in the Virginia State Parks system since the 1950s.
"Vic Thomas was a true champion of conservation as well as an outstanding family man, businessman and Virginian," said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "The impacts of his leadership can be seen here at Smith Mountain Lake State Park as well as across the state."
The 1,248-acre park on the lake's north shore in Bedford and Franklin counties was opened to the public in 1983. In addition to the cabins and swimming beach, the state park offers camping, a boat ramp, picnic areas, trails and a visitor center. The park's new entrance sign features the A. Victor Thomas Outdoor Recreation Area designation. Also, a plaque honoring Thomas currently hangs in the park's visitor center.
For more information on the activities and offerings of Virginia State Parks call toll-free 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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