Contractors have completed their work at Seven Bends State Park and the park in east-central Shenandoah County could soon be open to the public, according to park officials.

Chief Ranger Thomas Stevens said contractors have completed the two hand-carry boat launch ramps, two parking lots and bathrooms.

“They are not released to the park yet. They have to go through inspections,” Stevens said.

Until the work clears inspections, those amenities are not open and cannot be used.

Stevens anticipates the 1,066-acre park to quietly open before the end of October – possibly by the third week of the month. The official grand opening will take place in the springtime, possibly in March or April.

“Things are definitely taking shape,” Stevens said.

He said the park is already getting requests for weddings to be held there and for hiking groups to use the trails.

“We are starting to see where it is going to be utilized for its purposes. This is exciting,” Stevens said.

Park staff is in the process of installing informational kiosks, trail kiosks and fee stations for parking. They will also install the picnic pads with a picnic table and grill, he said.