From The World Of Parks & Recreation
By Doug Comer
So, it is a Sunday morning and I am trying to tie down some loose ends before the start of the work week. Therefore, I have to go in the office for a few hours in order to make sure all things are a go this week as well as inspect the building. We had two big events on Friday and Saturday.
As I pull into the parking lot, I notice an unusual amount of cars in the lot. I am thinking that maybe some people had a little too much to drink and took the safe route home or maybe there was an instant “love connection ”at the beer cooler during the elimination dinner event. I am sure the intimate evening was capped off with a 2:00 am Grand Slam breakfast at Denny’s. I guarantee celebrity TV host Chuck Wollery would love to see how a second date would go. After 10 minutes of regretful comments, Chuck would give a wry grin and say, “I’ll see you back in two and two.”His catchphrase for saying it was time for a commercial break.
As I glanced to the right I noticed the playground was packed with kids and parents enjoying the sunshine. The pavilions are full of families having picnics and kids are playing on our park’s activity pods. It is great to see families sharing the day together.
And families of all ages were there. Little kids in strollers as well as older kids playing tag or other games filled the area, thus laminating how much I love this job. To bring families closer together with our parks or to educate the students in Harrison County with our enrichment programs makes things all the worthwhile in my world.
I just wish that more people in the area would take advantage of what is offered in our park’s system. At the Recreation Complex, we offer a walking trail in the back portion of the property. We have over 30 different species of trees in the area and, if you are lucky, you might be able to spook some deer or turkey that wanders through the woods as well as on the trail. It is pretty cool especially if your kids have never seen one up close.
Our playground pods each have a theme to them. From bumble bees to trees, kids can climb, hang and learn from each one as there is a description board at the entrance. It is the only one in the state of West Virginia of this kind, which fortunately for us, is located right beside where I spend a majority of my week.
Things are only going to get better as we plan on expansion this summer. Parks and Recreation received a matching grant from the state which is giving us funding to create a new pod with a prehistoric theme. We are excited about it as dinosaurs have been our frontrunner in our enrichment programs. The new area is appropriate for all kids including the special population as it meets all ADA requirements.
So, as you can see, we are expanding our offerings here at the HCPR. The property is an ideal place for gathering as well as learning about life outdoors. Get out and take advantage of it as it was made for you and especially made for keeping families closer together.
Until then, I will see you in seven. Ugh, I guarantee that catchphrase won’t stick…
