a system of overhead gondolas to transport visitors around the park, and what was billed as the "longest, highest zip line anywhere." Mr. Vander Maten was unable to raise the necessary funds, and the lease option was allowed to expire in June 2010. Re-Opening and Adventure Plan In October 2013, the park re-opened after being purchased by the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority through a 99-year operating lease to the County of Roanoke. The facility is currently operated by the County's Parks, Recreation and Tourism department as a passive recreation facility. Under Roanoke County administration, annual visitors increased from 13,000 or fewer in 2012 and 2013 to more than 18,000 in 2014, the first full year under County management. The County is currently seeking to develop the site as an outdoor adventure park with amenities such as cabins, RV parks and zip lines. Roanoke County hired the Philadelphia-based firm of Wallace Roberts & Todd in July 2015 after evaluating four bids to develop a master plan for the next twenty years of park development. Over the next five years, the County intends to embark on a capital improvement plan to bring utilities to the Park and improve park roads. Historical Area The historical area within Explore Park is home to dozens of 18th- and 19th-century buildings relocated from their original locations and reconstructed on-site. Following the 2007 shutdown, the buildings are not normally publicly accessible, but the Mountain Union Church may be rented for special events, including weddings. Other buildings include: Mountain Union Church — opened April 19, 1998 following an investment of ; originally built in the early 1800s following a grant of of land by George Etzler at the juncture of old Blacksburg Road and Catawba Road in the Haymakertown area of Botetourt County. Brugh Tavern — opened April 28, 1998 following an investment of as a restaurant with historical ambience; originally located near the Great Wagon Road in Botetourt County. Roanoke Explorer Batteau — opened August 24, 1999 following an investment of ; offering batteau rides to illustrate the flow of commerce prior to the rise of the railroads in the mid-19th century and a common entrepreneurship opportunity for freed slaves. Totero Village — opened June 22, 2002 following an investment of ; containing four houses (enlarged to seven in 2005), work shelters, a hide-tanning area, and a garden patterned after a Native American village from the late