The official opening day of Tygart Lake State Park’s newest Adventure Lake attraction is just around the corner.
To celebrate the upcoming opening day set for May 22, officials and members of the public gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new attraction Tuesday. Although Gov. Jim Justice planned to attend, he was unable to due to unforeseen circumstances.
“It took a lot of people working together, having the vision for this county and for this lady to make this happen,” said Delegate Majority Leader Amy Summers, R-Taylor.
The new water park features 25 inflatable slides, as well as obstacles. A beach area with lounge chairs will also be accessible to visitors. The Adventure Lake was completed through a collaboration between the West Virginia State Parks system and ACE Adventure Resort.
Through this type of collaboration, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Stephen McDaniel said the state is able to work together with community experts.
“We always find ourselves trying to reinvent the wheel,” he said.
McDaniel said the water park was about four years in the making. The park has always been a popular destination for boaters, but McDaniel said these types of investments bring more recreational activities for all to enjoy while visiting.
Chelsea Ruby, West Virginia secretary of tourism, said this new attraction is just one of many investments being made into state parks and tourism throughout West Virginia.
“This is just another step in that, as we bring in private partners to help us continue to revitalize and bring up these facilities,” Ruby said.
The construction of the new park is part of several upcoming additions to Tygart Lake State Park. By summer, the park also hopes to complete $3 million in upgrades to the park’s cabins, campground and lodges.
Tygart Lake isn’t the only West Virginia state park that has seen improvements. Ruby said over the past four years, at the state park level, more than $150 million has been invested in new projects within state parks.
“Tourism is such a bright spot in our economy, and I love that everyone is starting to recognize it,” Ruby said.
Along with bringing tourism into the state, Ruby said she has been glad to see West Viriginians enjoying all the state has to offer.
“One thing that COVID has done has taught a whole ‘nother generation about the great outdoors [and] has taught kids what they can do and enjoy outside in our own backyard here in West Virginia,” Ruby said.
The Adventure Lake will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily., All-day tickets are $16 and half-day passes are also available between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2=6 p.m. for $12.
Due to capacity limits and limited availability of day-of tickets, guests are encouraged to book reservations in advance. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased for the grand opening and throughout the summer by visiting WVstateparks.com.
