BROOKS HILL – Judith Williams has long known the James W. Curry Public Park is a hidden treasure in southern Upshur County.
So, Williams – the head librarian at the Curry Library and director of the public park – says she’s thrilled the Curry Park and Campground will finally be able to spread the word about what a true gem it is, thanks to some help from the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Earlier in 2020, Williams applied for assistance through the CVB’s advertising grant program, which, when possible, provides funds to promote advertising initiatives of tourism-related businesses and organizations in Upshur County.
Williams applied for money to support the design and production of 5,000 double-sided rack cards highlighting the amenities the Curry Park and Library offers.
Rack cards showcasing all Curry Park has to offer will be distributed not only locally but will also be sent to the West Virginia Welcome Center and other rest stops at which tourists new to the area might browse the selection of literature highlighting regional attractions.
“Having the rack cards is important because we are a hidden treasure,” Williams said. “I can’t tell you the number of people who have told me, ‘I didn’t know you were out here … I didn’t know you had a campground and full-service library.”
“Another plus is having a professionally done product,” Williams added. “Before, we had a tri-fold product that didn’t really hold up to the wear-and-tear some things take at rest stops. This professional quality product is going to help us a great deal with advertising.”
Unfamiliar with the Brooks Hill area and the Curry Park? The campground, which is open for year-round camping, is located adjacent to the library and sits on top of a mountain peak on the Brooks Hill Road near Selbyville, according to its website. The park features 18 primitive campsites, picnic pavilions with grills, playground equipment, primitive restrooms, wooded campsites and electrical hookups for RVs and campers.
In-season hunting is also allowed with a permit.
Executive director of the CVB, Laura Meadows, said the rack cards are “basically a way to let people know there are some local campgrounds they might not be familiar with that are both convenient and secluded.”
“There’s a certain demographic of people who travel into an area, and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to this region; what do you have there?’” Meadows said. “With James Curry Park Campground, the rack cards will spread awareness that people can go up there for the weekend and have a great spot.”
Williams said when she did more traveling several years ago, she was always on the lookout for fresh new places to explore.
“I’ve done some traveling in my many days, and more than once, I’ve gone through bins or racks of brochures to see if there’s anything I might want to take a look at, so this is just a great way to increase tourism in southern Upshur County,” she said.
Williams said the rack cards will additionally be strategically placed at locations within Buckhannon and Upshur County – for example, at the Riverwalk Park to let local residents know about Curry Park.
“Especially now with COVID, a lot of people just want to get out of their homes, and this would be a good place they could come,” she said. “We’re really appreciative of all the CVB has done to promote us out here.”
Meadows said the amount of money awarded to entities is tailored to the individual needs of a business or organization, but the advertising product is required to reach outside a 50-mile radius of Upshur County.
“Now, more than ever, we should be concentrating on helping local organizations and businesses,” she said. “Grant awards can range from a small social media promotion to the production of printed literature.”
Contact Meadows at the CVB for more details about the advertising grant program.
Curious about Curry Park? Explore the park and library’s offerings online by clicking here, or take a drive out to the Brooks Hill area. From Buckhannon, Tennerton, Hinkleville or French Creek, head south on Route 20 until you reach the West Virginia Wildlife Center. Turn left onto Alexander-Helvetia Road, and then turn right onto Brooks Hill Road (11/16) at the library sign.
