Giles County to rebuild Glen Lyn Park nearly two years after Hurricane Helene

GILES COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the region, Giles County is set to receive $3.1 million to rebuild Glen Lyn Park.

The storm killed three people in Virginia and caused more than $78 billion in damage statewide, according to officials. Two months ago, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $7 million in disaster relief grants, with Giles County among the areas receiving funding.

During Helene, the New River at this stretch rose nearly 24 feet — the second-worst flood Giles County has experienced since 1940. No lives were lost in the county, but 48 families lost their homes.

Jon Butler, Giles County emergency services coordinator, said the community came together during the disaster.

“Giles County is a very resilient community. I was overwhelmed to see our folks be able to take care of each other during those hard times, during that disaster and just come together,” Butler said.

Signs of the flooding remain at the park nearly two years later, including a damaged electrical box that would have been completely underwater during the flood, with debris still visible inside.

The rebuild will incorporate new floodplain requirements affecting the park’s infrastructure.

“Electrical has to be rebuilt. Sewer has to be rebuilt. Water has to be rebuilt... most of the electrical have to be elevated approximately 20 feet,” Butler said.

Glen Lyn Park remains open for daytime activities, but overnight camping is not currently available.

“Right now it’s open to daytime activities... but there’s no overnight camping right now. We hope when we rebuild to get this back to the way it was prior to the storm — a full-service RV campground here again,” Butler said.

Butler said the county aims to complete the project by 2028.

“The New River is an economic driver for Giles County. Tourism is an economic driver for Giles County. So, for the community, for the citizens that utilize the property, it’s just a great thing to be able to have the funds, be ready to rebuild, and we’re excited to get it done,” Butler said.

Butler said the rebuild represents more than restoring what was lost.

“Restoration, like we’re getting back. We’re looking for that normal again, whatever that new normal is... coming back to normal with the awareness of, hey, this could really happen, so let’s be prepared for it — will make us a stronger, even more resilient community,” Butler said.