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In September, this newspaper published an editorial under the "Our Opinion" urging patience from residents when it comes to some of the proposed recreation projects in Weirton, in particular the planned renovations to Marland Heights Park.
The Weirton Park Board has recognized the importance of the city's recreationa offerings for as long as they've existed. Members also are aware of the need to invest in the upkeep and improvement of those resources in order to make sure they are still here for future residents.
They haven't always received the support necessary to do such investment, though, as various municipal administrations have targeted other priorities for their available funding. As a result, there are many aspects of the community which became stagnant at times, until the issue became too big to ignore.
That's what we're seeing now with these recreational projects.
For years, the Park Board has received funds from city council which helped to cover personnel and some operational costs, but in order to do any improvement projects, they had to look to various grant programs or contributions from residents and businesses.
In recent years, though, there were signs of hope and a major capital improvement plan was developed, focusing on four of the main recreational properties in the city: the Millsop Community Center, Starvaggi Memorial Park and Pool, Marland Heights Park and the Panhandle Rail Trail.
The Park Board has worked to repair the basketball and tennis courts at Starvaggi Park, and the Starvaggi Park Civic Association took the lead to raise money for a new playground. Starvaggi Pool, though, has been a major issue for many years. It's no secret there are structural issues which result in it losing water continuously throughout the summer months. Efforts are under way to put together a plan which would see the current vessel replaced, and many on city council have expressed a desire to see it happen.
Marland Heights Park, last year, saw the demolition of the Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Pool, which had been deteriorating over the years. To help attract visitors, a plan is being developed there, as well, with proposals for a new multi-season shelter, improvements to existing shelters, a pickleball court and improvements to other facilities.
The Millsop Community Center has experienced some structural issues of its own, with work being performed over the last two years to reinforce the south wall. The third, and reportedly final, phase of that project is now on the horizon which should keep the building sound for years to come.
The Panhandle Trail has been partially paved, with plans to complete it once the funds are available.
Earlier this year, city council set aside $1.5 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist with these projects. That was a good way to show some support for the city's parks, and we understand council has to look at the needs of all of its municipal operations and not just one area, but it was never going to be enough to address all of what has been discussed.
That became quite apparent Thursday night during a work session when it was announced the Millsop Phase 3 project would need the balance of those funds - and then some - to complete, leaving nothing in the Park ARPA allotment for the other projects.
Council will be presented with a resolution in December to provide the additional funds needed for the Millsop project. There also has been some talk of setting aside some of the city's remaining ARPA funds toward the Starvaggi Pool replacement project, although, given the way prices have continued to increase, I wouldn't be surprised to see more money needed there, as well.
That still leaves the plans for Marland Heights Park, the rail trail and any other projects which might come up with no financial support to complete.
The idea from council appears to be to put a levy before the voters during next year's election. The money the city received from the federal government as a result of the COVID pandemic (CARES and ARPA) will be gone soon. That means future councils will, once again, be looking more closely at what funds are going where. If a levy is dedicated specifically toward capital improvements for the city's parks, though, that will give some breathing room for everyone.
But, it's also why we urged patience on all of these discussed projects back in September.
Good, quality parks and recreaton offerings is a selling point when it comes to economic development.
Now, it may be up to the voters to decide just how important it is for them.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)