Allright, first things first. Let me jump right in and say Explore Park, as nice as it is (and I visited on several occasions - having grown up with a similar "living history" park I am accustomed to it) is really a waste of time.
Ok, now I never say that about civic projects. But look at it this way, you've got an educational, fun place that no one visits. You've got people who not only donate their time, but their blood and sweat to this place, and no one comes. You've got not enough people who donate their time, blood and sweat, and no one comes. You've got this lovely little park - and no one comes.
Im going to say this very nicely, and very politely. Dump the park. Now, I know - what to do with all the time, blood, sweat, and stuff that have gone into making that park? (this is where it gets good...)
Move it. Move it to Mill Mountain, and connect it via walking trails to the Zoo and Star. Half the issue is where its located, I swear. Its not too far, but not too close either. Plus you have to travel the Blue Ridge, which is cool - by daylight. At night - well, I know you locals are used to the deer and whatnot jumping out at you, but hell - Im not, and no one I know is. We were going to hold our wedding there - but the idea of a bunch of tipsy NY'ers driving the Blue Ridge at night, well - I saw a wild turkey once on the Blue Ridge - and he had murder in his eyes. Not the best idea.
Bringing in a independant developer will do 2 things - increase the visibility of the park, and increase the viability of the park. Of course this means concessions on the park of the natives. Yes there probably will be a time when part of the Blue Ridge is lit at night, because if your going to have a hotel and whatnot, your obvioudly gunning for the tourists. And after the first 10 reservations at the hotel dont show because they "vanish", I have a feeling that things will get brighter. A new entrance road will be built. No offence to Rutrough Rd., but something a bit more direct from 581/220 would be preferable. Theres plenty of land and plently of opportunity for a new connection to be made, even if it is off Hardy Rd. And increased traffic on Hardy Rd. means more business for Vinton. But much like my unspoken arguement against the Art Museum, (unspoken because I forgot to include it) Roanoke Regional Airport, as lovely as it is - is not served enough to easily bring people in. Yes, there might still be families who take the "Great American Road Trip" every summer - but most of them now dont have the time to dedicate to driving long distances for "tourist attractions."
Again - its just my thoughts on it.
I think combining Mill Mountain (if you ever look at the GIS for Mill Mountain, there certainly is enough land to build on - while keeping the mountain clean) and Explore Park as it stands now, is probably the best idea overall. A simple walk from the Star, to the Zoo, to the "living history" Explore Park would certainly make for great one stop vacationing. The Star and the Zoo easily take a day alone, if one has lunch there. And it would present in one area, the best arguement for Roanoke as the true "Star City"
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