
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 10, 1993                   TAG: 9306090420
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BREAKS                                LENGTH: Short

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA THEME PARK STUDIED

A group of developers is considering building a cultural theme park on a 136-acre tract near the border between Buchanan and Dickenson counties.

Different areas of the park would be represented by each ethnic group that settled in the region, with 36 total areas planned for the project, the developers said Tuesday.

Three of the developers explained their plans in a meeting with the Virginia Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands tourism committee.

One of the developers, Carvelle Edwards, said a feasibility study for the park is in progress and will be completed by the same company that worked on projects for other parks, including Universal Studios in Florida.

The proposed park would have a performing arts center and outdoor stages for historic dramas and concerts. It would also have such attractions as working blacksmith shops, molasses-making centers and craft demonstrations.

"We really feel like a park like this could really make a difference in Dickenson and Buchanan counties and Southwest Virginia in general," Edwards said.

by CNB