Improvements proposed at Tomlinson Run State Park
Trending
NEW CUMBERLAND -- Hundreds of thousands of dollars in possible improvements are being eyed at Tomlinson Run State Park, members of the Hancock County Commission revealed during their meeting Thursday.
The projects would be a cooperative effort between the commission and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, according to Commissioner Jeff Davis.
Discussions for possible improvements began close to two years ago, Davis explained, with a proposal for the construction of a new shower facility at Tomlinson Run's group camp area.
"It's where 4-H and the other group camps meet," Davis said.
Initially, Davis said, DNR was willing to share the cost of the shower facility, but was informed that would require bids to be sought across West Virginia, which state officials feared could make the project cost prohibitive.
As a compromise, the county commission is seeking its own bids to see whether the county can afford to have the new shower facility constructed.
In exchange, the state will use grant funding in its possession to address other potential improvements.
"DNR has put up a list of projects they want to do," Davis said.
Among those potential state projects are the installation of a new slide at the park's pool, a new roof on the concession stand, new sewer lines to the camp area, improvements to the mini-golf area, internet access to the camp, new picnic tables and improvements to the kitchen at the group camp area.
It is expected those projects could cost around $826,000.
Davis said he and Del. Randy Swartzmiller, D-Hancock, along with the other commissioners, met with DNR officials last week to continue discussions.
In other business, the commission accepted a bid from Pryor Construction, for a total of $62,050, for the Gas Valley Sports Complex on behalf of the Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board.
"It's for a dog park that Parks and Rec wants to develop," Commission President Joe Barnabei said.
The project would include improvements to the existing parking area and water system, the installation of the dog park itself and improvements to fencing.
The commission also:
¯ Began the demolition process for property at 504 Jefferson St. in Newell;
¯ Appointed George Hines to fill an unexpired term on the Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board;
¯ Approved a request for $5,000 in support of the Montani Semper Liberi Music and Art festival;
¯ Tabled a request for assistance with the Brooke-Hancock Nutrition Program, pending action by the state Legislature;
¯ Continued to table a request for the purchase of four new cruisers and equipment for the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, pending a lease review;
¯ Agreed to apply for grants from the W.Va. Justice Assistance Grant Program for prevention resource officers; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force; and the Victims of Crime Act programs.
The commission will next meet at 2:30 p.m., March 14.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)