Public meeting about city parks, recreational operations slated for Feb. 23

Katie Kuba
February 9, 2022

BUCKHANNON – What amenities do you wish city parks offered residents and visitors? What recreational opportunities do envision for the future in Buckhannon and Upshur County?

Those are the questions city officials hope to begin answering at a joint meeting of Buckhannon City Council and the city’s Planning Commission that is open to the public later this month.

The working session, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, will focus on parks and recreational operations and the possibility of hiring a parks and recreation director. Within municipal limits, there are six parks: the City Park, Fred Brooks Triangle Park, Stockert Youth & Community Center’s playground/pavilion, Harley Brown Rotary Park, Elizabeth J. “Binky” Poundstone Riverwalk Park, Jawbone Park and North Buckhannon Riverfront Park, in addition to the Buckhannon Dog Park (located near the Riverwalk Park).

The joint meeting was scheduled after an ad hoc committee of the Planning Commission suggested the city hire its own parks and rec director who could work cooperatively with the county’s new parks and recreation facilities director, Jeremiah McCourt, who will begin employment this month.

Buckhannon mayor Robbie Skinner said the idea of hiring a parks and recreation director originated in a Planning Commission ad hoc committee. After several council members expressed support for the idea at council’s Nov. 3, 2021, meeting, city officials said they would ask the Planning Commission to submit a formal report regarding parks and recreation needs within in the community.

At council’s most recent meeting, Feb. 3, Skinner invited the public to attend the Feb. 23 meeting, as well as another public meeting of the Buckhannon Historic Landmarks Commission. The Historic Landmarks Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 5 and will focus on residential design criteria and guidelines for the city’s historic district; information, resources and guidance regarding the repair of historic properties; and grant opportunities for historic properties.

Both meetings will take place in council chambers of city hall, 70 E. Main St., or if you would like to attend virtually, please contact city recorder/information coordinator Randy Sanders via email at randy.sanders@buckhannonwv.org.