River Crossing Right of Way and Park

.                                   The Historic Events Park at Cannon Ridge was Endorsed by the:
.                                                                  The Stafford Planning Commission
                                                                               The Historic Commission
.                                                                                  The Parks Commission
 
After 5 years of lobbying, gaining 7,500 supporters and a Trifecta of endorsements I'm happy to report that the Historic Events Park at Cannon Ridge will go to Stafford Supervisors on Wednesday October 7th.
 
The Comprehensive Plan now goes to the Supervisors for Action on Wednesday October 7th. At 6:30 PM I will give a three minute presentation and need support from the Audience! Anyone that wants to speak will have 3-minutes, but just being there would be Support Enough!
Please email the Stafford Board of Supervisors to let them know you support a Park at Cannon Ridge. Stating the election district or zip code you are in is helpful, but not necessary.
 
If you can't make the meeting please email the Supervisors and tell them you support a Historic Events Park at Cannon Ridge!
 
Below is the Supervisor's emails addresses.
 
ddiggs@staffordcountyva.gov
,
mguy@staffordcountyva.gov
,
ksevans@staffordcountyva.gov
,
pyeung@staffordcountyva.gov
,
tallen@staffordcountyva.gov
,
denglish@staffordcountyva.gov
,
cvanuch@staffordcountyva.gov

Please like and share on Facebook!
 
Historic Events Park at Cannon Ridge Presentation.
 
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0xiugKQrCcbZ1wr8E4QoNvaBAFJjakFhdDiPWz11yiJ3SqFZfWzc3TuprR2A6akcLl&id=61586515393033  
 
 
Whoever owns the 194 acre former Cannon Ridge Golf Course Controls the Right of Way for the River Crossing and Controls access to over 1,000 acres of public riverfront land that stretches for miles along the river, which includes public access to the waterfall.

The plan is to not spend County tax dollars to purchase the land, but to include it as a Park in the Comprehensive Plan to make it eligible for at least a dozen types of funding.

Designating the former Cannon Ridge Golf Course as a Park in the Comprehensive Plan doesn't cost taxpayers any money. It's the first step in negotiations and opens the door for Proffer funding, State and Federal grants and Private fundraising options with a Goal of funding the Purchase of the Park without using Stafford Taxpayer money. 

In 2008 we accomplished that Goal, succeeding in Funding the purchased of approximately 1,000 acres at Crow's Nest for $16 M at No cost to Stafford Taxpayers. We can do it again! The first step is to include the Park in the Comprehensive Plan and include it in the CIP with Zero funding for now as we diligently pursue all funding options and plant the seeds of the funding grow in the CIP. Once it's in the CIP it is eligible for Park proffer funding. Stafford hasn't received Park Proffer funding for years because there were no Parks in the CIP.

A letter should be written to Warren Buffet thanking him for bringing Stafford's biggest employer to Stafford and asking him if he would add to his and the Sunshine Lady's legacy, because a bridge trail will connect Cannon Ridge with Sunshine Lady Park named after Doris Buffet who funded the Park. Warren is giving his fortune away and supports his beloved GEICO workers that will be using and enjoying the Park and Bridge.

Survey responses showed Stafford Citizens overwhelmingly supported bringing more entertainment choices to the County.
A Trifecta of Commissioners Unanimously answered the call! Now it's the Boards turn to bring entertainment Choices to Stafford.

Survey results also show that the #1 requested Park Amenity is Trails. Cannon Ridge has 7 miles of Paved Trails and 10 miles of 19th century roads can be redone to provide access to the waterfall that is 1.1 miles away to the Golf Course. The distance to the waterfall will help keep the area free from trash and dog doo. Volunteers are ready to work to do what is needed for the Park to open in phases.

A Historic Events Park with a Fairgrounds would turn Stafford into a destination location to provide educational entertainment to showcase Stafford's History and keep Staffordians in Stafford spending their money here. It would attract Heritage Tourism. Civil War reenactments and other Annual events could fill every hotel room in Stafford beginning Thursday and Friday Nights onto Sunday helping support the Restaurant industry while generation new revenue.

Civil War reenactments, Civil War Balloon Corp demonstration, the Stafford County Agricultural Fair, Wagon rides, Kite Festivals, Pow Wows, Easter egg hunts, Horse shows, Christmas light Festivals, Equestrian Trail rides, Cross Country races, Dog shows, Mountain Bike Races and other events could be held all year long.

Equestrian events and activities serve as community and economic hubs, enhancing local culture. Approximately 49% of trail riders in Virginia are from out of state, that could be contributing to Stafford's economy.

Heritage tourism and equestrian events significantly contribute to local economies in Virginia, it accounts for nearly $7.9 billion each year, highlighting its importance in driving economic growth and community development with visitors spending an average of $1,000 per trip.