Bluefield to improve City Park splash pad & make walking track more accessible

Here’s what you missed at the most recent Bluefield Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, Jun. 9:  

Directors discussed donations, city planning, activities for youth and the elderly and upcoming improvements to Bluefield City Park, including the splash pad.

Burke & Herbert Bank made a donation to the police department in the amount of $5,000, which they plan to put toward their D.A.R.E Program. 

The board also provided updates on the city’s Safe Street Plan, showing before and after photos of the neighborhoods that have been paved so far. After just 15 days of work, 13 roads total have been paved, which has benefitted businesses such as Appalachian Power and a few neighborhood streets. 

The board also reviewed a report from the Parks & Recreation Department. It highlighted group activities for older community members, such as guided hiking tours, kayaking tours and summer camps for kids. A recent glow-in-the-dark football event at Mitchell Stadium had huge turnout, which is only expected to grow.  

The Bluefield City Park has undergone multiple improvements, with more still on the way, the Board reported. The city just finished painting and striping the basketball courts, which are now re-opened to the public. The board also considered a proposal for a new 16-and-up basketball league to take place at the park on Thursday nights. 

The park’s walking track is being extended and paved, making it both handicap and stroller accessible. Improvements are also being made to the park’s splash pad. These should be finished in time for the Fourth of July celebration.

Improvements will include a concession stand, restrooms and shade structures. The city’s Public Works Department plans to begin pouring concrete for the improvements next week. 

The Public Works Department also reported that it has filled several potholes and pulled out some overgrown trees on Bland Street, since the last board meeting. 

The meeting was adjourned with a prayer request for a community member and closing remarks.