The state park project underway at the Timberneck site has a new name. Machicomoco, a native word meaning “special meeting place,” was advanced by members of the Chickahominy tribe and eventually selected, according to Thomas Smith, the Deputy Director of Operations for Virginia’s Department of Conservation Resources.

“The name Machicomoco was suggested by one of the Chickahominy tribe,” Smith said, “and then discussed at several subsequent meetings with members of the various tribes before a final decision was made.”

The name change is part of the effort by the DCR to highlight the historical narrative of area tribes as it relates to the Timberneck site.

Additionally, tribes have had collaborative input on the design of certain open-air interpretive structures, historical outlines, and signage. “Via meetings held with the tribes, they have played a leading role in the design features for the park,” he said.

Smith also announced...