The County Commission has invested the Vital Service Levy dollars over the past two years into county owned properties including the Recreation Complex located on Route 19 south outside of Clarksburg as well as the three other properties to allow for recreational and social activities to be used on those properties.
First, for most that may not know, the rec complex has available a 240-person capacity indoor area for wedding receptions, family reunions as well as many other social events for those looking for a place to host their special event. The indoor area has a glassed-in wall facing a golf course and would be scenic for anyone looking for a place that can front as a background setting for photos.
Director Mike Book, who moved into this building close to 20 years ago, knew that this facility would be used for multiple activities including a home for school function enrichments, summer parks programs and of course, special events as he explains.
“We have hosted anything from elimination dinners to basket fairs and everyone has positive feedback about the building. It is quite a beautiful venue if you are here for a wedding or even here to explore our dinosaur exhibit. It is great to have a place like this for the citizens in the area to use when needed.”
The other properties at Spelter, Goodhope and Summit Park focus primarily on recreation as each has a facility for sports like baseball or softball. Other recreational activities include basketball courts, playgrounds and shelters for those who wish to host family or team functions. A ton of effort has been put into the fields as a lack of properties throughout the county has caused coaches to reach beyond the normal fields for practice of play.
The field at Goodhope received a new fence and backstop over the past year and plans for new dugouts are in the future for the field. To add, a half-court basketball pad was placed last season as well as a 24’x24′ shelter for families to use while kids are at play. The final project was the install of some playground equipment for the kids to use. To Book, all improvements will allow for numerous happenings at the park.
“We hope to have some different things this summer at these outlying properties including music in the park. The only hang up at Goodhope is parking, but the church up the street has allowed for people to use it in cases like this or for baseball games. We have to get all properties up to ADA compliance and have all amenities available before we plan to host on these grounds.”
Spelter has seen vast improvements to the baseball field and the removal of an old trailer that once sat on the grounds. After that project was complete, a gravel parking lot was installed to open up parking for those who use the field or the park itself. The park has been used for sports in the past as well as annual retreats by the local church. The shelter and playground area as well as a basketball court makes the property a prime place to spend weekends with the family or friends.
Finally, Summit Park was once a property that hosted many softball tournaments, family and community reunions as well as host to county operated sports leagues like soccer, t-ball and area competitions like punt, pass and kick or the Kirkland soccer challenge. Possibly the biggest piece of property related to recreation, the grounds were in bad shape once the Summit Park Association deeded the land to the county.
“We have had a lease agreement for years with the county and used this property for many of our activities,” said Book. “Through the years, the property saw few improvements and it got to a point where the SPA could not properly repair the issues, the county stepped in and since has made improvements. But, we have a ways to go.”
The area, which still is a great area for league softball as well as family functions, has seen improvements to the middle field as Neel’s fence replaced the older fencing with new, including a backstop. New dugouts and bleachers make the property perfect for those Sunday softball games with the buddies while the family members can look above at the picnic shelter and cheer on their spouse.
Restroom facilities are available and parking is ample on the upper lot. Kids can play on the playground and even have their own game of ball on the Little League field, which has hosted youth sports for years. Plans to replace the backstop as well as the outfield fencing are in the works and should be complete by year’s end. There was a drainage issue in the back, but has now been remedied and we can resume the fence and backstop replacement.
For families, coaches or anyone looking to use the facilities, please feel free to contact the parks office and we will be glad to help make your league, party or seasonal league the best it can be.
