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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 13, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Seven Bends State Park celebrates Kids to Parks Day, unveils new mosaic

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: River’s Way PlaySpace)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Seven Bends State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Seven Bends State Park Mosaic )

WOODSTOCK, Va. – Seven Bends State Park invites the public to a day of art, nature and family fun at its Launch into Summer celebration on Saturday, May 17, at the River’s Way PlaySpace.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can explore a touch table and participate in yard games, ranger-led activities every half hour and, for ages 8 and up, introduction to archery programs.

Admission to Launch into Summer is free; however, an annual or daily parking pass is required. The park’s merchandise trailer will be open, and food will be available for purchase from Rutz Catering.

The event also features a special dedication and unveiling of the new community mosaic, which will take place at noon. The 4-by-12-foot three-piece mosaic features the park’s natural landscapes and wildlife. It was created using stones and pieces of donated glass.

The mosaic is the second created by the Community ART Collaborative, a nonprofit group made up of local art enthusiasts who produce art as a service to the community and provide hands-on art experiences and education. The first hangs on the side of the Woodstock Cafe facing the South Main Street alleyway. It depicts scenes along the Shenandoah River from Strasburg to Edinburg.

Throughout the creation of the mosaics, the CAC held volunteer building sessions at its studio and displayed the unfinished panels at local events, allowing the community to lay pieces and add their personal touch to the artwork.

"These mosaics are a celebration of the creativity, connection and collaboration that define our community,” said Seven Bends State Park Manager Tom Stevens. “They’re more than just beautiful additions to Woodstock, they’re a reminder that when we come together, we can create something special.”

The mosaic at Seven Bends will be permanently displayed at the park’s Hollingsworth access, which is where Launch into Summer will be held. It’s located at 2111 South Hollingsworth Road, Woodstock, VA 22664. The piece was made possible with support from the Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and Friends of Seven Bends State Park.

For more information, please call 540-630-4718 or go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/events.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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