West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Audra Picnic Shelter Upgrades To Offer Water, Electric 

2/19/2008  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.

Contact Information

Jon Teets 
(304) 457-1162 
jonteets@wvdnr.gov