FAIRMONT – Hail to the dog walkers, disc golf mavens and connoisseurs of Christmas lights.
Morris Park, the wooded, 112-acre expanse near Fairmont is all of that.
And now, you can layer an additional $40,000 into the park’s marketing mission.
That’s the amount of the Local Economic Development Assistance Grant advanced to the grounds last week by the West Virginia House of Delegates.
“This grant will begin the planning process for improvements that we’re very excited to see come to fruition,” Mayor Anne Bolyard said.
To date, no step-by-step specifics have been released for any future enhancements, she said – save for the planned “reimagining” of a once-famous wading pool.
Said pool hasn’t been used for years, but it still splashes on in park lore, for the hundreds of people drawn to it every summer.
At present, the park and its leafy environs are a boon to people who don’t wade – but walk.
Morris Park frequenters love to lace up their athletic shoes and get their faithful dogs (purebreds and mutts alike) on leashes for daily jaunts in and around those 112 acres.
Spirits soar every season on the Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Course, which has been known to attract the best players in region and even the world come tournament time.
“Season” is the watchword during Christmas at the park – call it the most LED time of the year – and its annual holiday display that brings in 2,000 visitors and more every Yule for the happening that’s a top fundraiser for Tygart Valley United Way.
“This award is another step toward our goal of bringing meaningful improvements to all our parks,” City Manager Travis Blosser said.
“Morris Park is one of our most popular parks,” he continued, “and we’re excited to continue adding amenities.”
