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Contact: Katie Liming, 703-399-4547
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Marine Evolutions, Inc. (MEI) to provide services at Belle Haven Marina, along the Potomac River, in Alexandria for the next 10 years. Belle Haven Marina is located adjacent to Dyke Marsh, a tidal freshwater marsh and unique resource within the Potomac River. The marina provides access to the Potomac River and is one of three marinas along the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP).
Belle Haven Marina was previously operated by George Stevens, who transferred the remaining months of his concession contract to Tim Staples, founder and owner of MEI, in July 2020. MEI and the NPS entered into a new 10-year contract for the marina last week. MEI is a local, full-service marine repair business in Lorton, Va.
“The National Park Service is excited to enter into this contract with Marine Evolutions, Inc.,” Charles Cuvelier, GWMP superintendent said. “We look forward to working with Tim and his team to enhance the marina, provide high quality experiences for all visitors and manage the site in a way that protects the Potomac River and Dyke Marsh.”
MEI has already spearheaded a clean-up of the marina and removed abandoned and unclaimed property. They are committed to improving environmental sustainability at Belle Haven Marina, and will install self-siphoning baskets to collect plastic debris and other refuse from the Potomac River. They will also host periodic shoreline trash pick-up events around the marina.
MEI will offer on-the-water recreation programs including beginner through advanced adult and youth sailing lessons, kayak lessons, canoe lessons and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons. They will also provide wheelchair-accessible, nearly silent, electric pontoon boat tours.
MEI will also replace the current channel dock with a new floating dock for non-motorized vessel launching.
Learn more about potential business opportunities with the National Park Service.
Last updated: January 5, 2021