The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — The transformation of Hotel Collins into a vibrant community space is almost complete, and City Manager Allen Dressler couldn’t be more excited about the progress. With just a few final touches left to add, Hotel Collins Park is set to become a central gathering place for residents and visitors, bringing both culture and local business support to downtown Covington.
As Dressler explains, the park is not only a space for public events but also a key part of the city’s broader vision to revitalize the downtown area. With a spacious pavilion, lush green lawns, and a packed calendar of activities, including a sunrise service for Easter and upcoming music performances, the park is poised to be a hub for community engagement.
“The goal is to create a space that fosters downtown livability while supporting local businesses,” said Dressler. “We’ve already scheduled several events that will draw people to the area, and with each gathering, we’ll also be helping local spots like the Hot Dog House and the brewery across the street thrive.”
The park has retained its historical charm, with the iconic columns from the original Hotel Collins standing tall as a reminder of Covington’s past. But the modern updates to the space are hard to miss. The park’s design is nearly complete, with newly laid historic-looking brick pavers creating a welcoming path to the pavilion. Dedicated entrances and exit points for performers will allow them to easily load and unload, while public seating and newly planted trees are ready to provide a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
“We’re really excited about how it’s all coming together,” Dressler said. “It’s becoming a place where the community can gather, whether it’s for an event or just to enjoy some downtime.”
In addition to the pavilion and the park’s aesthetic upgrades, the surrounding areas are also being enhanced. The Public Works facility has received a facelift with upgraded wood fencing and latticework, and local artists will add murals reflecting the rich history of Maple Avenue and Covington. Dressler noted that these improvements will help beautify the entire area while preserving the local character.
“The entire area is being transformed to make it more appealing and accessible,” he said. “From the upgraded public works building to the murals we’ll be putting up, everything is designed to enhance the visitor experience and honor the history of our town.”
With the park almost complete, the city is also preparing for its full public use. Dressler confirmed that Hotel Collins Park will be available for rent through the City of Covington’s Parks and Recreation Department. This ensures that the park can host a wide variety of events, from weddings and parties to larger community functions.
“We want this to be a place where everyone can come together,” Dressler said. “We’ve already partnered with the Allegheny Highlands Arts Council for performances, and we’ve got the Allegheny Fondo event planned here as well. It’s going to be a busy, exciting year.”
As part of its larger revitalization efforts, Covington is on track to receive a Virginia Main Street designation soon. The revitalization of Hotel Collins Park is just one part of the city’s ongoing effort to create a vibrant, walkable downtown that supports both residents and businesses.
“Everything we’re doing here is about making downtown a place people want to be,” said Dressler. “It’s about creating a community that’s safe, welcoming, and full of life.”
The park’s design reflects that vision in every detail, from its welcoming pathways to its bright flower planters, which will soon feature vibrant-colored blooming plants. The park’s new signage, featuring a black-and-white photo of the original Hotel Collins, will also serve as a nostalgic touch for those who remember the building’s heyday. The photo, complete with vintage Volkswagens and local landmarks, is a conversation starter that ties the area’s past to its promising future.
With just a few final landscaping elements and lighting to complete, Hotel Collins Park is almost ready to fully open to the public. Electrical outlets for charging devices and subtle lighting will add convenience and charm, making the park a welcoming space both day and night.
“We’ve worked hard to make this a space that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re here for an event or just to relax,” Dressler said. “It’s a place where we can all come together, support our community, and celebrate what makes Covington special.”
With its official opening just around the corner, Hotel Collins Park is poised to become one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, bringing a new sense of energy and pride to downtown Covington.
