MOVING AHEAD — A pre-bid conference is set for today as part of the process of constructing a new restroom facility at Marland Heights Park. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The bidding process is officially underway for an improvement project at Marland Heights Park.

The project – labeled as Phase 1 – will include a planned restroom facility and lighting for the park, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for today.

The restroom and lighting are a portion of several improvements discussed by the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation over the last year.

Parks Director Coty Shingle noted bidding on the project was approaching during discussion at the Park Board’s Sept. 19 meeting.

“There are just some things we are cleaning up,” Shingle explained of the plans, developed by PMV Architect of Pittsburgh.

The project is being paid for through American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by Weirton Council in May. Council has set aside $150,000 specifically for construction of the new restroom facility, and an additional $50,000 to be used for infrastructural improvements such as lighting, sidewalk repairs and playground features.

According to legal advertisements published over the last two weeks, those interested in bidding on the project must submit their proposal by noon, Oct. 17.

“Awarding of the bid will be strictly based on the lowest and best price and Contractor’s ability to perform the scope of work,” notes the advertisement.

Previously, restroom facilities at the park were part of the structure of the Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Pool. Since the pool was demolished in December 2022, though, portable restrooms have been used at the park.

The Weirton Park Board previously had eyed a three-phase plan for improvements to the park, with ideas including an all-season shelter facility, pickleball courts, renovations of existing tennis and basketball courts, a dog park and more, along with the planned infrastructure investments. Funding for those projects is not currently available.