Marland Heights Park -- Ideas for the Future

[Program Director]

What are your thoughts or ideas for enhancing Marland Heights Park for next summer and in the foreseeable future?

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While the demographics and usage of Weirton's oldest recreation park certainly has changed over the years, the site remains a constant attraction for nature lovers and those who like to get away and spend some time in the relaxing outdoor surroundings that Marland Heights Park has to offer.

As swimming is no longer a viable attraction as it was in the past when hundreds of people would flock to the park daily to take a dip in the pool and cool off, the main attraction these days continue of focus around picnics and family unions in one of the three shelter pavilions, along with a beautiful modernized playground, basketball and updated tennis courts.

We'd like to hear from you ... What would you like to see added or updated to enhance Marland Heights Park -- something that would certainly attract more people in the future?

The Weirton Board of Parks & Recreation would like your feedback about the park and other facilities as it constantly tries to work within its tight budget to provide quality recreation within the community for ALL to enjoy.

[linda]

I have a few ideas. I once lived in San Francisco and enjoyed their Japanese Tea Garden so much. You could drink Japanese tea and look into the carp pool, relaxing with a friend.
This would mean spending some money but I think people would come from a distance once the word got out.

Another idea is to use the fire places in the winter. You could build a skating rink and fix up the pavillions to accomodate small groups with mittens and skates, maybe serve hot cocoa.

I also thought putting in outdoor exercise stations would enhance the fitness theme already present in that great playground equipment. This way adults would set an example for lifelong fitness. There is an exercise area by the Kroger in Wintersville that could be a template, or at least a starting place.

Lastly, I thought that we could use the structure to create a gathering place for the many artists and musicians and writers around town. We might need to keep it acoustic for the neighbors. We could have volunteer visitors to lead whoever is interested in drawing or an open mike poetry reading. (You'd be surprised how many writers there are around!) Irish dancing might go over big, or square dancing. If you do it in a zombie theme, you might get the young people involved, too.

[mebrenie]

Many residents I've spoken with would love to see a dog park in Weirton. If not at Marland Heights Pool property, somewhere...

[ragonrj]

I heard the rumor that the city is considering demolition of the pool itself. I hope that you consider the fact that this stucture is the ONLY building of any architectural significance in the whole city of Weirton. It also holds a deep cultural heritage for the residents that spent so much time there. This is one of only a couple of examples of this design still left standing in the country. Just the beauty of the structure itself is a draw for people to come & spend time there. Remeber that city parks are not supposed to be self-suppoting - they are to be recreational areas for the residents to enjoy - just like all the small playgrounds around the city. What would the city do with the area if it were demolished ? A field of weeds ? What would be the cost ? Where would the money come from ? I think the city owes it's citizens answers to these questions before moving forward.

[joannlgreen]

Hi, I used to live up the street from this magnificent pool all of my childhood/teen years. So that area is holy ground for me. It breaks my heart to learn that not only has our Marland Heights Elementary school been converted from a school to another facility, but now the pool may go? It's bad enough to be losing our steel mills. This loss must stop and stop now.

Let's KEEP the Weirton/Steubenville people in Weirton instead of having to drive outside the area for recreation and spending money there. And let's draw people from the tri-state area to Weirton. This area of the country is so beautiful. Let's make the most of it. To me this place can be a money maker for Weirton It has a rolling landscape, gorgeous trees, and is a sizable property. Summer activities could include a small pond/lake with paddle boats, miniature golf, water inner tubing down one of the hills or a small water park, picnic area, horseback riding, hiking trails, and a smaller pool. There could also be a place for families to bring their kids for an outdoor movie in the summer. It could also offer child care for working parents in the summer where weekly camps are offered.

Now that the Lions Club building has been converted what about enclosing the existing shelter house and using it like the one in Follansbee that is a facility for year round use? Plenty of parking which the Lions Club never did offer and given the location would be a gorgeous place for weddings.

In the Mentor, Ohio area there is a small park that is a nature preserve for injured wildlife. This place draws people from all around the area. They also offer a miniature train that drives kids and families around the park and at Halloween offers a haunted train ride. Train enthusiasts in the area I am sure would help or volunteer to get this up and running.

Now, wintertime. The activities and incoming money need not stop. You could use the hiking trail as one for cross country skiers. And what about a few downhill skiing hills? The pool could be covered and used for ice skating. You should see the tiny ski hills up in the Cleveland and Mansfield area that are flooded with people who ski there. In that Marland Heights area you have several rolling areas that could make for a gorgeous and long ski run that is much better.

I am looking for this area to draw people from a 50 mile radius. This would all get done in phases, a little at a time. Eventually even a lodge where out of towners could stay. You and your planning committee would decide what occurs in each of the phases.

There are no kinder, resourceful people than the ones who live in Weirton. The hospitality that would be offered to visitors would be exceptional.

Yes I know, Oglebay Park is 30 minutes away. But people from Weirton and areas surrounding it go there for such activities. And they don't offer skiing or water park events, or trains! Why not give people a place in Weirton where they can go instead? Rock Springs Park used to draw people until the new bridge crossed into its path. There are no other places like what I am proposing. Oglebay is gorgeous but expensive too. This could be a more family affordable place to spend time.

Now to fund it. Where are the Mr. Weir's of the world with the bucks to help finance such a venture? What about offering fund raisers, exploring state/federal money, monies from the state park and recreation funds?? Shoot even asking JJ Abrams to help with a fund raiser?

I know I went on and on, but I am passionate about preserving what exists and turning it back into a destination for people and making money for the city of Weirton. I am suggesting big ideas here, but as my Mom would say, all in good time. I pray that the Marland Heights pool area can be saved.

JoAnn Locascio Green

[John Egan]

I contacted the WV Division of Culture and History and was given the following sites for grant money, when there is a firm plan on the future use of Marland Heights Pool.

Here are a few links to information on our website that may be of use to you.



Grants manual: www.wvculture.org/shpo/grants.html



NR nomination form: www.wvculture.org/shpo/nr/pdf/hancock/93001230.pdf



National Register do’s and don’ts: www.wvculture.org/shpo/nr/nrinfo.html



Please let me know if you have any further questions.



Susan



Susan M. Pierce

Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

WV Division of Culture and History

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East

Charleston, WV 25305

[phone]