Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : February 19, 2008

Audra Picnic Shelter Upgrades To Offer Water, Electric

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Looking for a beautiful location to hold a family reunion, birthday party or company outing? Audra State Park has the perfect solution – a covered picnic shelter with water, electric and a large grill. The shelter accommodates up to 50 people, is handicap-accessible and has a large parking area.

According to Audra State Park Superintendent Jon Teets, upgraded amenities mean increased demand for the park’s only shelter. “Our picnic shelter has always been available to our campers and the local community,” Teets said. “With the addition of water and electric, the picnic shelter will be more popular than ever.”

The shelter is near scenic hiking trails and provides easy access to the Middle Fork River for swimming or boating. “Audra is a family-friendly park,” Teets said. “The shelter, which overlooks the entire park, is in a great location; it’s private yet surrounded by plenty of opportunity for activity.”

Picnicking is a tradition at state parks according to Dave Lombardo, District Administrator. “Families use park picnic areas for reunions and weekend outings, and we see more and more groups renting shelters during the week for meetings or social functions,” Lombardo said. Shelters at state parks and forests are rented on a month to year basis. Mid-week rentals are at reduced rates. Shelters must be reserved in advance and reservations may be made by phone.

Rental rates at Audra State Park are $65 per day (6 a.m. until 10 p.m.) for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. To make a reservation, or to ask about weekday picnic shelter rental rates at Audra State Park, call (304) 457-1162. Phone numbers for all state parks and forests are listed online at www.wvstateparks.com, or call 800 CALL WVA for contact information.

**DNR**