“That will make our county proud and truly be an
economic engine many will use as a model for
development,” he says.
Upgrades have already been made to the wave pool,
which opened in 1981 and has drawn thousands of
summer revelers to enjoy its waterslides and 10-minute
intervals of ocean-like waves.
Meanwhile, the park’s previous community building has
been torn down to make way for a larger, updated facility
that will accommodate 450 guests with tables and chairs
or 1,200 with standing room only. It will feature the latest
technology in internet access, sound systems and lighting
systems and a full kitchen, making it a perfect site for
events such as statewide or national conferences, wedding
receptions and gatherings of all kinds. Dean is working
toward preserving the heritage of the beloved building
by repurposing its large arch beams for use in the park’s
amphitheater and its wood deck ceiling and chandelier
in the barn remodel. The multipurpose structure will also
house the park district and wave pool administrative
offices, pool locker room facilities and concessions.
Also expected to draw people from inside and outside
of Putnam County are the new regulation-size soccer
field, perfect for tournament play, and new ball fields,
which will feature a playing surface of all-weather turf to
accommodate practices and events year-round. Three
new tennis courts, a new sand volleyball court and an
18-hole disc golf course will round out the new athletic
offerings at Valley Park.
“I have planned a national tournament that will be
bringing hundreds of disc golfers and their families
to our community,” says Dean. “We have conducted
a multistate study on this sport, and the economic
impact in communities is overwhelming. This will be a
great asset to Valley Park and the county.”
The fully accessible playground area is another exciting
development that is an example of how community
involvement can help create a positive, healthy
environment for children in the area and beyond. The
new playground at Valley Park will offer multi-style
swing sets and interactive equipment for children
of all abilities, as well as climbing apparatuses and
slides. For youth who like to challenge themselves,
the new playground will feature a 40-yard dash and
obstacle course equipped with laser timing devices so
participants can clock their times.
“The new playground will be one of a kind,” says David
Gilmore, PLA, MBA, director of landscape architecture
and Charleston office leader at GAI Consultants Inc. “It
is being modeled to be all inclusive for children of all
abilities to be able to play together. It is the highlight
of the park.”
The park’s community garden will also be used to
engage people of all ages in a healthier lifestyle,
allowing locals of all ages to learn about agriculture and
healthy foods. The garden is intended to serve as an
educational hub, which will benefit from the guidance
of experts at West Virginia University and West Virginia
State University. Along with 90 raised beds that can
be leased to green-thumbed community members,
the park will offer workshops on growing various types
of food. Two high tunnels for year-round growing—
one focused on traditional growing and the other on
hydroponics—are planned as well, along with an orchard
with 42 apple, pear, plum, peach and pawpaw trees.
These offerings, along with the park’s existing barn,
which will be repurposed into a multiuse facility for
reunions, graduation parties and other celebrations,
are what will make Valley Park stand out as a model
recreation site in West Virginia.
Thousands of people have already visited Valley
Park, whether it was to attend a wedding, reunion
or graduation party; visit the wave pool; participate
in sports; or just take a relaxing walk on its trails. Its
impact on people’s lives is already significant, which
is why local businesses are invested in creating
something great for Putnam County, neighboring
counties and the state.