ROANOKE COUNTY – Roanoke County’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department will soon relocate to a new office on Starkey Road in the Cave Spring district, following the purchase of the property from the Roanoke County Economic Development Authority. For the past 37 years, the department has been based on Kessler Mill Road, just outside of the city of Salem. However, due to issues with aging infrastructure, flooding and location, staff recognized the need for a new space.
“The relocation of our Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department will address the long-standing challenges of our previous facility,” said Roanoke County Administrator Richard Caywood. “This modern, central location will enhance our ability to better serve the community while saving over $2 million through the repurposing of an existing building, reflecting our commitment to fiscal responsibility and public service.”
The county’s FY2023 budget approved funding for a relocation, and as construction costs rose, purchasing an existing building became more cost-effective. The selected property at 4818 Starkey Rd. spans approximately 2.71 acres and includes an existing building, which was previously owned by Delta Dental and purchased by the EDA in the spring of 2024.
After discussions, the county purchased the building for $1,907,152.33, which includes contents currently in the building. Funding for the purchase and renovations will come from the county’s bonds through the Virginia Resource Authority. Supervisors voted on an amendment to the VRA bond financing lease during their Aug. 20 board meeting to approve the funding.
The county anticipates staff will transition into the Starkey Road building by late 2024.
-The Salem Times-Register
