If you’re interested in staying close to home this summer while still enjoying outdoor activities at it’s finest, you might want to consider the local Parks and Recreation facilities some of our communities have to offer.

The city of New Martinsville recently received grants for improvements and additions totaling over $271, 000. While they offer a great swimming facility at Lewis/Wetzel Park, along with a paddle boat pond, ball field and children play area, additional upgrades are on the way. A $6,500 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley (CFOV) will be used to fund equipment and materials for a disc golf course at the Park.

In addition a $3,340 grant from the foundations impact program will be used to teach life skills to teens, as the Park and Rec. department teams up with other area organizations to offer it and other courses, like baby-sitting, cooking, and self defense classes over the next several months.

It’s no secret that money is available and the easiest way to obtain it is through grants. A recent visit to New Martinsville by U.S. Senator Shelly Capito and U.S. Congressman David McKinley was encouraging for local business and others seeking funding for projects. Both representatives encouraged applying for funding.

New Martisville Parks and Recreation Director said, “we like to look outside the box for unique programs to offer and ways to improve existing facilities. Grants are one way to secure funding for this to happen.”

The City recently received news that they have been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Grant in the amount of $250,000. With this assistance the community will construct an extension to the biking/walking path, that will be located north of the existing path. The new path will run the entire length of the old airport property.

The bike and shared-use path along the Ohio River will be extended by three-eighths of a mile thanks to the grant. New Martinsville owes special thanks to Bev Gibb for her continued hard work in making the park areas of the community better for not only the residents but visitors as well.

New Martinsville offers much more than walking trails and swimming. They have a nice putt-putt golf course, picnic shelters, ball fields and play areas for children. There is plenty to do with several favorite fishing spots, hiking is close by, and there are several locations for people to just sit and relax.

While New Martinsville is excited for the upcoming changes, the town of Hundred is doing big things as well. Hundred Mayor Chip Goff recently announced the community has been awarded $300,000 for new sidewalks. “A lot of hard work went into this grant and a lot of work still to do with design, but here’s to good things to come. We’re keeping our fingers crossed on our dilapidated structures grant,” said Goff.

The community recently received all new pavement on their walking trail and a new sign has been erected near the entrance to town. Both of these communities are actively at work trying to make their communities better for the residents and entice others to bring business to town.

With all the infrastructure and grant money available, it’s hard to use the same old excuse, “we don’t have the money.” Every community should make their parks and recreation facilities a top priority, they are the life blood of every town and city regardless of their size.