By Debbie Adams
The Town of Vinton held a multi-generational ribbon-cutting on April 2 for its new park built for “all ages and all stages,” according to Mandy Adkins, Director of Cultural Placemaking and Events.
Adkins described the park as a “vision” of town council and other community leaders—a project which would bring the community together and improve the quality of life for all.
In 2023, the town applied for and received a Preservation Trust Fund grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation which was the first step in funding. The town contributed $1.6 million. Other community partners made up the difference. The Vinton Breakfast Lions Club and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium funded the picnic pavilion, while the Bank of Botetourt made a contribution to pay for the shade structure.
Other features of the multigenerational park, in addition to what Mayor Brad Grose described as “a world class playground,” include a skate park, two pickleball courts, a walking path, and “flushable” restroom facilities. There is also a musical botanical garden with mushrooms, flowers, butterflies, lily pad cymbals, and tenor tree which visitors can play music on. Most of the equipment and the restrooms are ADA accessible.
Vinton Capital Projects Director, Jamie Hurt, who recalls going to the Vinton pool as a child, explained that in 2015, the town made the hard decision to close the pool, which was antiquated and in need of many costly repairs. At the time the pool closed, town council was facing a bill of $10,000 just to repaint the inside of the pool to prevent peeling of the paint, not to mention the high costs of modernizing the equipment and financing liability insurance.
Hurt complimented the work done by G & H General Contractors, who were awarded the construction contract in June 2025. The town’s engineering firm, Hughes Associates, Architects, and Engineers, recommended that the town award the contract to low bidder G & H.
Hurt noted that the designers and contractor used every square inch of the property for the park project, “going above and beyond.” He was pleased that construction was completed in a single phase, which made it ready for the public sooner.
“Sometimes a project this large needs to be spread out over some time to accomplish it, but our council prioritized this and really wanted to get this done as soon as possible,” he told the crowd. “And we’re so thankful they did and glad that we can open it up today.”
Mayor Brad Grose commended town council for their committed leadership in creating the park and recognized the town’s dedicated staff who brought the project to fruition.
“It reflects Town Council’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life here in Vinton and ensuring that our public spaces remain vibrant, inclusive and accessible to all,” Grose told the crowd. “This park will serve our Vinton residents and will be a destination for people throughout the region.”
Several speakers commented that they feel “so grateful to live in community where family and outside activities are valued.”
“As part of the celebration, town leaders, staff, and representatives from the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, Bank of Botetourt and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation used golden scissors to cut a lime green ribbon.
Children were also invited to partake in their own “ribbon cutting” by ripping through a long green streamer that served as the barrier between them and the playground.
Other guest speakers at the ribbon-cutting included Emma Weaver from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Mary Ann Miller from Bank of Botetourt, and Gary Myers from the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club.
“I am honored to represent the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club,” said Myers. “It is often said that thriving cities and towns are built upon the foundation of exceptional parks. Today, the Town of Vinton embraces a sustainable and vibrant future with the opening of the New Vinton Generational Park—a space dedicated to children, residents, and those who envision the collaborative beautification of our community.
“As secretary of the Lions, I have had the privilege of pursuing grants and securing funding for this project. Our club became an early supporter and has consistently been committed to making meaningful contributions.
“The Vinton Breakfast Lions Club has a longstanding tradition of community involvement, undertaking projects that strive to leave a lasting impact for future generations. Notably, we constructed a picnic shelter at Herman L. Horn Elementary and partnered with Valley Metro and the Town of Vinton to develop two bus shelters.
“Today marks my first opportunity to witness the completed park, and I am both proud and appreciative of how our donations have been utilized. I would like to recognize Rosie’s as one of our principal sponsors. Since joining the Vinton community, they have generously supported our club’s initiatives. We sincerely value their partnership in serving the community.
Looking ahead, the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club remains committed to supporting our town through ongoing engagement and service. Where there is a need, there is a Lion.”
A huge crowd attended the ribbon-cutting, which included music, free hot dogs from the Vinton Police, Get Glazed donuts, goodie bags, bubbles, and more.
