The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking public input on the Mayo River State Park Master Plan. The Master Plan is a long-term plan for the park that provides access to more than 16 river miles of the Mayo River in Rockingham County. The Mayo River begins near the N.C./VA state line and flows south until it joins with the Dan River near Madison, N.C.
Landscape architects with Timmons Group in Raleigh are working with the division and the public to develop the master plan. The plan’s development involves identifying both the recreation and conservation needs for the park and gathering stakeholder input on priorities for the park. Stakeholder input is important to the process, and the upcoming open house-style public meeting will allow for feedback from the neighboring community, park users, conservation interests, and other stakeholders.
Amenities that will be considered for the master plan include:
- Hiking trails
- Camping options
- River access (canoe/kayak put-in and take-out)
- Day use areas
There will be two opportunities to provide input on the master plan. Due to health and safety concerns surrounding Covid-19, each meeting will be held virtually. Virtual meetings will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22 at noon and 7 p.m. Timmons Group will present an overview of the project and their recommendations for improvements to the park. Following the brief presentation, Timmons Group and division staff will be available to answer questions and receive comments from the public. The meetings can be accessed at the following links:
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 12 p.m.: {Link no longer active}
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.: {Link no longer active}
Members of the public are encouraged to attend either presentation to discuss the project and weigh in on the recommendations presented.
About North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 232,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 18 million visitors annually.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.