Cooks Corner $12,000 lot takes shape

Revamp totaling $2.9 million
mulled for old school location

The Middlesex County Board of Supervisors (MCBS) approved a $12,000 expenditure from the county’s parking improvement funds on Nov. 5 to create a temporary gravel parking lot at the recently created Cooks Corner Central Park.

The new gravel parking lot was installed this fall on the west side of the park to encourage park-goers to limit parking on the edge of the road leading to the new Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.

The county is considering a large revamping and remodeling of the old Rappahannock Central Elementary (RCE) School grounds and auditorium and cafeteria building. Cooks Corner Central Park is part of that project.

It has been estimated, however, that the cost of converting just the RCE building into a community center could cost up to $2.9 million for a “heavy” restoration.

“When we determine the overall plan, we will be able to decide where the permanent parking lot will be installed,” said Saluda District supervisor and chairman of the MCBS board Don Harris. “Right now, we just need to provide safer parking for citizens using the park.”