This text was taken from an email alert sent out on March 25 2025. Sign up for email alerts →
Dear Supporter,
Last month we asked you to write your senator in support of a bill that would have created a 1,200-acre state park at Oak Hill in Loudoun County. After the House unanimously supported it, the fate of this park has hung in the balance. The Senate budget conferees refused to include creation of the new state park in the budget, leaving the future of this opportunity in the hands of the governor, who this week included it in his budget amendments.
The General Assembly is scheduled to vote on the governor’s amendments April 2. But we are concerned that the General Assembly will reject the amendment that would authorize the Oak Hill State Park. We need your support to push this over the finish line by writing and calling your legislators today!
As a state park, Oak Hill would enhance Virginians’ access to fresh air, nature and trails across more than 1,200 acres of fields, forest, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and Little River frontage, and the well-preserved home of James Monroe, the last founding father to serve as president. Its location along U.S. Route 15, just minutes south of Leesburg, a short drive from millions of residents in Northern Virginia, and close to Dulles Airport make it an important new resource for Virginians and visitors to our state.
Since our last email, funds from various sources for the acquisition and stewardship of Oak Hill have risen to over $46 million. In other words, the acquisition and start-up costs for Oak Hill State Park are already largely covered (and will be fully covered by the time the state takes ownership). This is a remarkable example of a strong public-private partnership to conserve land, expand public access to land, water and our nation’s history — and a bargain for Virginia.
What you can do Today
- Find your legislator and call or email, before the General Assembly reconvenes April 2, urging them to vote for this single amendment.
- Some legislators will be hosting in-person or virtual town halls this week and next. Please attend these and ask them to vote yes.
- This uphill push will require as many voices as possible, so share this with your friends and family. Even if you have already written to your legislators about this topic, please do so again.
A Historic and Economic Opportunity
Virginia is known for preserving its history, and homes such as Monticello and Montpelier serve as major tourism drivers, and provide local and regional recreational opportunities. Oak Hill is equally significant — establishing Oak Hill as a state park will provide a premier outdoor recreation destination in one of Virginia’s fastest-growing regions. Loudoun County has added over 300,000 in population over the past 2 decades and this new park will add miles of trails and open space experiences within minutes of those residents.
Like Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, which averages over a million visitors a year, and Monticello in Albemarle, with nearly 500,000, the combination of history and access to the outdoors is projected to be a net economic contributor locally and for the Commonwealth.
Why accept Oak Hill as a State Park?
Expand outdoor recreation in Northern Virginia – This 1,240-acre property is in a region with high demand for public green space and outdoor activities and is easily accessible to a large number of Virginia residents Open to the public with minimal investment – The property’s well-preserved historic structures and landscape will be ready for visitors with minimal additional work. Conservation, restoration and agricultural opportunities – creating the state park will provide opportunities to pursue projects that will enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and allow for farming operations to continue. Preserve an important historic site – Oak Hill is the last privately held, founding-era presidential home. Making it a state park would be one of the most significant preservation actions for America’s 250th anniversary. Minimize costs while maximizing benefits – with $46 million already committed from various sources, the acquisition and start-up costs for an Oak Hill State Park are largely covered. A $20 million endowment from private sources will be managed in our community and is expected to generate $1 million annually to support park operations.
Thank you for standing with us to ensure more Virginians have access to nature and recreation opportunities in the communities they live in, while protecting Virginia’s history and natural beauty.
Sincerely,
John McCarthy
Senior Advisor & Director of Strategic Partnerships
jmccarthy@pecva.org
(540) 347-2334 x7043