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West Virginia Success Story

RC&D Planning Makes A Difference in Paw Paw

Program or Category: Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)

Overview: In 2001, the Potomac Headwaters RC&D Council sent VISTA Trails and Parks Coordinator, Justin Thaine, to the town of Paw Paw in Morgan County. The Town Park had been neglected for a long time. The Parks Committee needed improvement planning help. Over the course of several months, Justin met with the City Council and the Parks Committee. He documented their desires, made cost estimates, and drew maps. The Master Plan was completed in September 2001 and delivered to the City Council.

Accomplishments: Completed improvements include:

  • a gazebo (12’ x 20’), dedicated to the late Joan Gordon, the town’s clerk
  • repair of two teeter-totters and nine swings
  • a new wooden walking bridge over the small run that separates the park and the school
  • reconditioning of the Little League Ball Fields including chain-link fencing with fence top protectors, a back stop, on-grade dugouts, fours sets of bleachers, scoreboard, and a red clay dirt infield
  • concession stand with restrooms and an elevated broadcast floor and PA system
  • a new stainless steel flagpole
  • public water and sewer hookups (lines had to run through the park)
  • expanded parking area
  • reconditioned Barb-Q Pits
  • electric service
  • reconditioned pavilion with 10 picnic table

The RC&D Council’s early involvement in supporting planning reduced their participation in later phases. It took a planner to write improvements down and help the town’s people visualize the plans. The community knew what to do and quickly did it, even with little outside financial assistance. The organizers and volunteers associated with the park have wanted to make some of these improvements for years. Because of the Master Plan, the improvements have all been completed. The park looks great and is well maintained. The power of a plan can do wonders!

Program Benefits to the Community: All the accomplishments above benefit the community. Additionally, an application for a grant to build a walking trail was made. The trail is a cooperative effort between the Park, the High School, and the Mountaineer Community Health Center. This was developed and funded by WV Department of Highways. The trail should conclude this fall. Other unsuccessful sources of funds were formally explored including a grant request to the Benedum Foundation. The RC&D Council provided about $4,000, obtained via the WV Conservation Agency, to the Parks Committee as seed money.

Contact: Roger L. Boyer
(304) 263-7547 x3314
Roger.Boyer@wv.usda.gov

Potomac Headwaters RC&D Office
151 Aikens Center, Suite 1
Martinsburg, WV 25401
http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/potomac_rcd.html

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