Cacapon Resort State Park (West Virginia Department of Commerce photo)

Ground was broken during a ceremony Nov. 2 for major improvements at Cacapon Resort State Park in Morgan County. State and local officials worked the shovels and praised the $25.38 million project, which will bring much-needed upgrades to Cacapon Resort and provide additional attractions for visitors to the Eastern Panhandle.

"Our parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world you'll ever see, and I am following through on my promise to update and improve our parks to make them more attractive," said Gov. Jim Justice. "These improvements will make Cacapon an even more attractive vacation destination in the Eastern Panhandle and bring more tourism dollars to West Virginia."

Major projects to be completed include the addition of 78 guest rooms, a dining room, a lounge, a spa and an indoor pool at Cacapon Lodge. Existing facilities also will receive major upgrades, including remodeling each existing guest room, creating new conference space, renovating the lobby and upgrading utility and electrical equipment. Construction is already under way and is being performed by Paramount Builders of Saint Albans, the low bidder. Work is expected to be completed by 2020. The project is being funded by bonds financed with excess lottery revenue.

"I want to thank Gov. Justice and the legislature for their determination to modernize and improve our state parks," said Stephen McDaniel, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, which operates the state park system. "Our facilities have needed some work for years, and thanks to support of the bond issue, we can get the job done. We're excited to get to work on these renovations at Cacapon and look forward to continued improvements at all of our state parks and forests."

"This project will meet the needs for today's traveling public," said West Virginia State Parks Chief Sam England. "Since Cacapon was constructed in the 1950s, those needs have obviously evolved. Meeting those needs and continuing the park's already-high level of hospitality, scenery, atmosphere and amenities will lead to increased visitor enjoyment."

"Thanks to state and local support, Cacapon Resort State Park is getting ready to reach its full potential with the addition of the new lodge," said Supt. Scott Fortney. "This addition will easily bring many more new visitors to our park while improving the experience for our loyal guests and locals. Additionally, the renovations being planned and completed at nearby Berkeley Springs State Park will help to make Cacapon Resort State Park a full-service resort experience."

Cacapon Resort State Park's lodge was built in the 1950s. The park also has 31 cabins, a 12-room inn, a large conference room, a restaurant and many outdoor opportunities, including golf, lake and hiking opportunities.

More information about Cacapon Resort State Park can be found at www.wvstateparks.com.

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