Craig Howell GETTING READY – Weirton municipal officials and members of the city’s Youth Council met Monday to go over plans for Saturday’s rededication of Marland Heights Park.

WEIRTON — For the last few years, Marland Heights Park has undergone a series of renovations in an effort to better prepare it for future generations.

Saturday, many of those renovations, along with additional plans, will be officially unveiled to the public — along with a new name.

“We’re going to rededicate the park,” explained Weirton Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle on Monday.

The rededication is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the park, which then will be known as Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Park.

Shingle noted the new name reflects the history of the park, which once was home to the Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Pool. The pool, which closed in 2005 and was demolished in December 2022, originally was built in 1934 from a design by architect Wesley Bintz and named in honor of the mother of Ernest T. and David M. Weir, the founders of Weirton Steel, with funds provided by the David Weir Estate.

To prepare for the celebration, the city and members of the city’s Youth Council have organized a volunteer cleanup effort and are inviting anyone interested in assisting to come out.

“We’re trying to get volunteers this Thursday from 4 to 7 to help,” explained Logan Cottrill, a member of the Youth Council.

Supplies for the cleanup will be provided by the city, but officials noted those interested in assisting are welcome to bring their own, as well. Refreshments will be available after the cleanup for those who participate.

Saturday’s celebration will include free food, inflatables and other games, face painting, giveaways and prizes, all geared toward making it a celebration for the city and its residents, with support from area businesses.

“We got many companies to give us money to make it a fun, community event,” said Youth Council member Jordan Kondik.

Shingle offered his appreciation to the Youth Council for its efforts in fundraising and organizing the event.

“We’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with these young kids,” Shingle said. “We gave them an idea and a vision and let them work.”

Several updates to the park have been underway over the last couple of years, including the construction of a new restroom facility where the pool once stood, as well as the installation of new lighting, improvements to the walking areas, pavilions, basketball court and more.

Plans previously were announced for a redesign of the park’s tennis court to also allow for pickleball, although officials noted that project is not yet complete. Development of a new outdoor fitness court also is in the works for the park.