PLEASE SIGN this petition to Reopen the Beach Access to Lake Arrowhead
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January 12, 2026

The Town of Luray's Municipal Offices

45 East Main Street

Luray, VA 22835

To The Town Council and Parks & Recreation Committee:

The citizens of Page County respectfully ask you to restore and reopen access to the beach portion of Lake Arrowhead for the 2026 season and beyond. 

It is the only body of water easily accessible in town for families, children, mothers and grandmothers and visitors. It is a safe place where county residents and visitors can enjoy nature, exercise/swim, relax and play.  It has been a beloved community asset for decades. We enjoyed it for many years and we would like to continue to enjoy our visit there. It was deeply missed during its 2025 closure. It is a benefit to the town of Luray to increase places and things to do instead of taking them away.

·       Recreational and Health Benefits: It enhances local recreational options and offers vital social opportunities that support mental and emotional well-being for families and individuals.

·       Environmental Benefits: Lake Arrowhead features relatively clear water and a diverse fishery (including largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish, and channel catfish), as managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Responsible public access promotes stewardship through community cleanups and education, helping prevent erosion with native vegetation, reduce litter and pollutants in this 1971 flood-control impoundment, and maintain habitat health. Managed recreation areas often see improved environmental outcomes through active monitoring and visitor awareness.

·       Economic Benefits:

Attracts visitors to complement major attractions like Luray Caverns (welcoming 500,000 annual visitors) and Shenandoah National Park. Increases foot traffic to local restaurants, shops, hotels, and gas stations via spending on meals, lodging, and supplies.

Enhances Page County's family-friendly appeal, supporting resident retention and

population growth.

Here is what we are proposing to make this possible:

·       We are prepared to pay a Seasonal pass Fee up to $125.00 

·       Set up a daily pass fee of $5.00 per person for Page County residents who are not committed to the season on weekends. Children under 5 years old are Free.

·       Set up a daily pass fee of $3.00 per person for local Page County residents who are not committed to the season on weekdays. Children under 5 years old are Free

·       Set up a Seasonal pass for non Page County residents of $140

·       Set up a daily pass fee of $10.00 for non Page County residents who are not committed to the season on weekends.

·       Set up a daily pass fee of $5.00 for non Page County residents who are not committed to the season on weekdays.

·       Place a donation box at the entrance for both local and out of town visitor

·       Place a Credit Card machine (Most people don’t carry cash these days, they pay with phone or credit card). 

The fees that we are proposing, and the Lifeguard on duty should lower the cost of insurance. Or if it should be “Swim at Your own risk” the fees will make the cost of the insurance affordable.

Safety Measures:

Prominent signage: no alcohol/glass/pop-up tents/grills, no pets on beach. Never swim alone; supervise children closely. Designated swim area with buoys and depth markers. Emergency contact information

Provide life ring stations and first-aid kit at entrance/beach

Enforce capacity limits via staffed entrance to prevent overcrowding

Provide free Lifeguard training in high schools with certification.

Pay a wage - minimum of $17.50 x hour.

This will give summer jobs to young people who desperately need it and keep them off the streets. 

Much like neighborhood pools do a "Swim Test" for children under 12. Require life vests for all children 12 and under unless they pass the swim test.

Clean Up:

·       Place a BIG sign to remind people to clean up after themselves

·       We propose to place garbage containers in at least 3 different locations

·       At the entrance

·       In the back of the middle part of the beach

·       In the back opposite side of the entrance

·       Set up a cleanup sheet for clean up

Those should be easily accessible for anyone in the beach area and would help keeping the beach clean.

2 Port potty should be placed in the parking lot.

2 Handicaps spots in the parking area. 

These practical, cost-offsetting steps would keep the beach safe, clean, and accessible while generating revenue for upkeep and preserving Lake Arrowhead healthy ecosystem.

We also propose a brainstorming session with community identify risks, safety measures and financial options to make it affordable.

Thank you for considering this request. We are eager to collaborate on reopening this vital community and natural resource.

Sincerely, The Citizens of Page County