Author: Erin L

In response to your recent emails to the County, I provide the following statement:

King and Queen County confirms for the Walnut Solar project the following: (1) no community picnic or similar gathering has been discussed with any entity, including, but not limited to, Dominion Energy; (2) the County is not aware of any violations or fines on the project; and (3) County staff works regularly with the County’s contracted engineers, the developer, the owner, and DEQ to evaluate concerns and identify remediation measures.  Project improvements and amendments are normal for projects this size and are expected in the near future to address concerns on Par Cooks Road.

Respectfully,

HUB33, King and Queen County’s Rural Solutions Center, is your rural community connection to workforce development, small business support, health care, broadband, and more. Visit the HUB33 website kingandqueenco.net/hub33 for more information, or contact us at hub33@kingandqueenco.net with any questions.

King and Queen County, VA – March 13, 2025 – King and Queen County has awarded Grimm + Parker Architects the contract to develop a master site plan for the construction of a new elementary school and academic campus.  The project will proceed with further stakeholder engagement and public input opportunities to ensure that the final plan aligns with the needs and vision of King and Queen County leaders and citizens alike. The county also plans to provide real-time project updates through the county website, social media, and Board of Supervisors meeting reports.

A workgroup, comprised of key stakeholders, has met and engaged with Grimm + Parker to assess needs and plan for the project’s next steps. The master site plan will serve as a guiding framework for the county’s commitment to education, incorporating community input, facility assessments, and future growth considerations to create an optimal learning environment.

“We are excited to partner with Grimm + Parker Architects on this transformative initiative to create a modern, safe, and high-quality learning environment,” said Mark Berry, Board of Supervisors Chairman.   “Their expertise will help us create a thoughtful, strategic plan that supports the long-term success of our students and schools while remaining good fiscal stewards for our taxpaying citizens.”  Grimm + Parker Architects, a firm with a proven track record in educational facility design, will lead the planning process. Known for their commitment to innovative and student-centered designs, Grimm + Parker brings extensive experience in school planning and consolidation projects across the region.

The new school will be built on a 61-acre parcel acquired by King and Queen County in 2024. The property adjoins the existing King and Queen Central High School campus, forming a 91-acre educational hub designed to facilitate shared resources, extracurricular collaboration, and long-term educational planning. The new school is currently anticipated to open for student occupancy in the fall of 2027.

For more information and updates on the school consolidation master site plan, please visit kingandqueenco.net and kqps.net

MEDIA CONTACT

Erin Lazar

King and Queen County Director of Community Programs and Tourism

804-898-4958 | elazar@kingandqueenco.net

Middle Peninsula residents are invited to participate in a brief survey to help enhance regional commuting options. The 25-question online survey will remain open until March 31, 2025. As an added incentive, participants who complete the survey will have the option to be entered into a drawing for a $250 VISA gift card. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE: https://bit.ly/4h9iE2Q