ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 16, 1996 TAG: 9605160158
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON STAFF WRITER
MEMO: ***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on May 17, 1996.
Explore Park in Roanoke County is open to school groups on Fridays
and Mondays. A story Thursday contained incorrect information.
Explore Park wants to extend its hours July1 but isn't sure how to pay for it.
"Tourism happens seven days a week. All the other attractions are open seven days," said Rupert Cutler, the park's executive director. He is looking at fund-raising plans that include seeking larger government grants to the park and higher gifts from the public.
The tax-supported living history and recreation park in Roanoke County is open to the public Saturday through Monday. It is open to groups of schoolchildren only on Fridays. It is closed Tuesday through Thursday. The park's season runs from April 1 through October.
Cutler pitched his case to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. He is seeking $25,000 in extra funds. Supervisors have given the park, now in its third season, $150,000 per year. The Board did not make a decision on the new request.
Cutler also appealed to Roanoke's Cultural Services Committee for a grant of $35,000, up from $25,000. The city committee asked for time to consider a decision.
The park needs $208,000 to pay interpreters and added operating costs. That figure equals about a 20 percent budget increase. The state provides $400,000 of the park's $900,000 budget, with the rest coming from local governments and schools, admissions, gift sales, concession and donations.
Cutler said the added money may come in small amounts. A telephone solicitation campaign that targets hundreds of past donors raised $1,000 Tuesday. The three-day campaign ends tonight.
"Ultimately, we may find we can [extend the hours to] only five days a week," Cutler said.
One of the reasons park leaders want to extend operations is to admit more school children. Because of time constraints and schools' heavy interest in the park, one child is turned away for every child admitted, Cutler said. Although children pay lower admission fees, officials are apt to give more money if they see children enjoying the park, he said.
Children also are big spenders at the park's gift shop, another source of Explore Park's revenue.
Attendance stands at 4,626; under the three-day-week schedule, it is forecast to hit 41,000, about twice last year's total. Admission is $4 for adults, $2.50 for students ages 6 to 15, and free for children younger than 6.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 linesby CNB