Archive 2008

Breaks Interstate Park Welcomes New Superintendent

Breaks, VA – Buchanan County, Virginia native Matthew O’Quinn has taken the helm at the Breaks Interstate Park following the retirement of former Superintendent Carl Mullins. O’Quinn becomes only the fifth superintendent since the park was commissioned in 1954.

O’Quinn holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from East Tennessee State University, and an Associate’s Degree from Virginia Highlands Community College. He comes to the park after serving for 13 years with the Virginia State Police, most recently as a special agent with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He formerly served as the head of the Wildlife Management Program at Southwest Virginia Community College, where he also taught criminal justice classes.

O’Quinn said for him, becoming superintendent is a “dream come true.” As a college student, O’Quinn served as Lake Front Director at Camp Davey Crockett, a summer camp for Boy Scouts. It was there that he first became accustomed to the workings of a recreational facility. But he was no stranger to enjoying the amenities of a park. In fact, growing up in the Greenbrier section of Buchanan County near Haysi, he spent much of his time at the Breaks Interstate Park.

“I feel like I did a lot of growing up at this park. I learned to swim here, and I don’t know how many nights I spent in the campground.” An Eagle Scout, O’Quinn said he has always had an appreciation for the outdoors and all the Breaks Park has to offer. “We have such a special place that offers more recreational activities than anywhere else in this area. Where else can you go to get camping, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, paddleboats and so much more all in the same place? Not to mention the beauty of the surroundings, good food, and now we even have high speed wireless hot spots within the park,” said O’Quinn.

O’Quinn said with the current economic conditions, he knew there would be challenges facing the park in the coming months, but he is excited to get started. “I just can’t think of a better place to be. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful place.”

The Breaks Interstate Park is located in Pike County, Kentucky, and in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties in Virginia. It was commissioned by Congress in 1954 and is one of only two interstate parks in the United States.