Douthat State Park Add To Attendance For 2009   Despite a struggling economy, Virginia State Parks set a new attendance record in 2009, with 7,534,960 visitors, a four percent increase over 2008. Douthat State Park added to the increase in visitation with 205,654 visitors in 2009, up 10,090 visitors from 2008. “Douthat State Park has seen an increase in local visitors for 2009,” said Douthat State Park Manager Charlie Conner. “We have seen more guests coming from Covington, Clifton Forge, Lexington and other local areas than we ever have in the past. Douthat is a reasonably priced quality vacation, and it is a trend catching on across Virginia.” In 2009, 28,569 visitors stayed in a Douthat State Park cabin or lodge, and another 44,580 visitors spent the night in a state park campground. While Virginia State Parks are a primary vacation destination for millions of people from around the country, state parks also are an economic stimulant to local economies. The estimated economic impact of Douthat State Park in 2009 was $7.6 million. The estimated economic impact in 2008 was $7.4 million, and in 2007 the estimated economic impact was $7.3 million. “The contribution of Virginia State Parks to state and local tourism is significant and can be especially important in the current economic climate,” said Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Overnight guests in 26 of Virginia’s 35 state parks contribute to local economies, as well as to the state economy. Last year, more than 899,000 people stayed in cabins, family lodges or campsites located across Virginia,” he said. For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or e-mail Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460. Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking online.

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