TENNERTON – The swimming pool won’t open this year, but the Buckhannon-Upshur Recreational Park will be open to the public Monday, May 11.

Assistant Upshur County Administrator Tabatha Perry said people will be able to use the playground, trails, basketball court, volleyball area and tennis courts throughout the summer season.

“Both pavilions are available for rental; however, guidelines provided by the Governor and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) pertaining to gatherings should still be followed,” Perry said. “Reservations can be made by calling Tabatha Perry at 304-472-0535 ext. 2. Extra emphasis will be placed on sanitizing the restrooms and pavilion areas prior to reservation times.”

The Upshur County Commission voted to close the pool for the 2020 summer season during their April 16 meeting. At the time, commissioner Sam Nolte pointed out the county would have to advertise and hire employees with the potential of not opening at all, depending on the social and physical distancing rules imposed by the state.

“It’s an unfortunate decision to make, but for the protection of the citizens, it may be in our best interest to close for the 2020 summer season to the public,” commissioner Kristie Tenney said.

Tenney also explained that it might not be possible for lifeguards to receive or renew certifications right now.

During that same meeting, Perry said she spoke to county maintenance department head Greg Harris and the maintenance department can check the pool during the week but would need a part-time employee to stop by on the weekends.

“I would recommend that if you did hire a weekend person, they could be on call to check the reservations on the calendar and be responsible for cleaning the pavilion before and after the reservation,” Perry said.

So, at their most recent meeting, April 30, the commission approved the hiring of Elizabeth M. Harris as a temporary part-time employee for the 2020 season at Buckhannon-Upshur Recreation Park, starting today, Friday, May 1.

Thursday’s county commission meeting took place via teleconference, and Tenney made the motion to approve the hiring and Nolte seconded the motion prior to it passing unanimously.

To read more about the offerings of the county parks, including the B-U Recreational Park, click here.