While not nearly as large in scale as had originally been hoped, it is good to see the first phase of improvements at Marland Heights Park approaching its end.

Members of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation have been looking at upgrades to the park in recent years, with funding being a major stumbling block, both to forward movement and to the size of the work planned.

What had originally included plans for a new, all-season shelter was scaled down to a new restroom facility.

New lighting has been added, with some of the pathways through the park updated and new water lines installed. New roofing is coming for the existing shelters.

In addition, the Weirton Pickleball Association, with support from $50,000 provided by the Weirton Rotary Club and a review from the Park Board, has undertaken an effort to update the park’s existing tennis courts to now include one full-size tennis courts and four pickleball courts, as well as new fencing around the facility.

The Park Board launched its improvement plan almost two years ago, and, while it’s good to see some improvements take place, we also have to wonder what future improvements will realistically take place now.

In the initial designs, the board also looked at new playground equipment, new basketball courts, updates to the existing miniature golf course, a splash zone, a new storage building, and even a dog park.

All will take additional funds to become reality, and that’s something not always guaranteed.

It’s good to see the work which has been done, and we hope for more in the future.