03/31/2026
It’s always rewarding to contribute to work that not only gets the job done, but also helps protect and improve our natural resources. Big thanks to everyone involved in making this project a success!
PRESS RELEASE
Windmill Point County Maritime Recreational Campus
County of Lancaster Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2026; Lancaster County has again been recognized for its efforts and has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Gold Medal Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Windmill Point County Maritime Recreational Campus.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) coordinate the awards program to recognize projects that reduce environmental impacts, programs that protect the environment and encourage sustainability, efforts to conserve land, and projects that demonstrate exemplary implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan.
Lancaster County’s Windmill Point project transformed a severely eroded shoreline into a premier public recreational campus, restoring natural resources while expanding public access to the Chesapeake Bay. Years of careful planning efforts ensured Lancaster was able expand public beach access, restore dunes, install a 450-foot pier, and more, creating public benefits equaling $3.22 in returns to each dollar invested.
The project was only made possible by the strong partnerships with neighboring landowners, RL Property, LLC and The Landings Owners Association, and the untiring work of the county Board of Supervisors, county staff and the Access to Public Waters Workgroup.
The County and other recipients were recognized at the Environment Virginia Symposium held at Virginia Military Institute for their environmental leadership through actions that strengthen the Commonwealth’s conservation, resilience, and preservation efforts.
In announcing the award, Governor Abigail Spanberger said “Protecting Virginia’s environment and promoting stewardship across the Commonwealth have impacts that will last for generations. I am honored to recognize this year’s winners for their efforts to protect Virginia’s environment and for inspiring others to do the same.”
Master Plan Design:
Guernsey-Tingle Architecture and Kimley-Horn
Engineering/Permitting:
Bay Shore Design and Bay Design Group
Contractors:
Docks of The Bay, Norman Company, Inc.
