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WEIRTON -- The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation began discussion, Thursday, of placing a levy on the ballot for the city's 2024 election, with the hope of ensuring funding will be available to support maintenance and improvements of Weirton's parks system for years to come.
Board Vice Chair Bill Curenton noted the idea of the levy, most recently, was raised during a joint workshop held Nov. 16 between the Park Board and Weirton Council.
"They wanted us to put the levy on the ballot," Curenton said
Last week, Weirton Council approved allocations of almost $3 million, primarily using American Rescue Plan Act funds, to be put toward the final phase of repairs to the south wall of the Millsop Community Center, the replacement of the pool vessel at Starvaggi Memorial Pool and a second phase of playground renovations at Starvaggi Memorial Park.
The Park Board also has targeted a series of projects at Marland Heights Park and continued upkeep to the Panhandle Recreational Trail, although funds for those projects may not be available in the immediate future.
This isn't the first time there has been a discussion about a levy to support Weirton recreation.
"We tried to do this about 12 years ago," Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle said, explaining the costs of placing a levy on the ballot and negative reaction from residents halted the effort.
Now, he said, he believes residents understand there is a need to invest in the future of recreation in Weirton, adding changes being made to the operation of the city's election will cut down on costs.
Some of the projects noted for future funding are the eventual replacement of the roof at the Millsop Community Center, expanding security at the Millsop Center, Starvaggi Memorial Park and Marland Heights Park, and improving fire safety at the Millsop Center. Other future projects, and a targeted levy revenue, would be discussed at a future workshop.
While noting there currently is no targeted amount of money to be raised through a levy, if it is approved, Shingle did say the board will have to work with officials in both Hancock and Brooke counties to have it placed on the ballot as the city is divesting itself of most election operations beginning in 2024.
In addition to the Millsop Community Center, Starvaggi Memorial Park, Marland Heights Park and Panhandle Rail Trail, the Weirton Park Board oversees the maintenance and operation of the Edwin J. Bowman Field and 10 neighborhood playgrounds or recreational spaces.