Park renovations win Panhandle’s support

The Jefferson County Commission and Berkeley County Council have officially lent their support for the addition of 79 rooms, spa and fitness amenities and general upgrades at Cacapon State Park, adding to regional pressure on the state to commit money to the project.

Morgan County Commission president Stacy Dugan sought the resolutions of support, visiting both counties last Thursday, December 8.

In their resolution, the Jefferson County Commission highlighted the regional nature of the project.

“The Commission recognizes the need for this renovation with the closing of Coolfont and the conference and dining facilities at the Woods resort, there is no other golf resort based meeting space in the entire Panhandle. Cacapon needs upgrades to serve the conference market or that business will go to other states,” the document said.

The Berkeley County Council noted in their resolution that “this project is shovel ready with the recent completion of construction documents for a 67,000 square foot addition.”

Both resolutions tied the park upgrades to regional tourism revenue, which is estimated to be more than $30 million in the Eastern Panhandle.

Dugan, the County Commission and other county officials have been actively seeking support for the project, which is already designed and engineered.

The price tag for the complete project, including lodge expansion, golf course upgrades, utility improvements and spa/fitness additions is estimated to be $23.5 million.