Petition for More Funding for Mason Neck State Park

PETITION TO THE

VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

RE MASON NECK STATE PARK FUNDING

We, the users of Mason Neck State Park, urge you to provide sufficient funds in the upcoming budget for the Park to fund the following:

• ·        Assistant Park Manager position and the 6 additional full-time positions specified in the Park Master Plan;
• ·        Additional part-time staff to cover critical vacancies during full-time staff training and off-site duties; and
• ·        Technology improvements to provide adequate wireless communications in the Park.

The Park’s operating budget has been cut for 2 consecutive years. Additionally, the Park has been informed that the position of Assistant Park Manager will not be funded after the current Assistant Manager leaves on January 1, 2020.  This will leave the Park with only 4 full-time staff members in 2020, compared to the 11 called for in the most recent (2017) Park Master Plan adopted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.  The Contact Station and Visitor Center are often closed because of the shortage of part-time staff.

Lack of reliable cellular communication and internet service in the Park creates significant additional management, law enforcement, and public safety burden and risk for the few remaining staff responsible for the Park’s 1,800+ acres.

The serious deficits in Virginia’s financial support threaten Mason Neck State Park’s ability to operate safely and effectively, as well as to provide recreational and educational opportunities for more than 130,000 visitors each year.

Mason Neck State Park needs more financial support in Virginia’s budget!  We are counting on you to address the serious shortages facing Mason Neck State Park by mandating that Mason Neck State Park be allocated the specified funding and staffing in the upcoming budget.