By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
President of the Hambleton Park Board Adam Cassidy addressed the Tucker County Commission on to request funds for the Hambleton City Park.
“We built a park,” Cassidy said. “The folks of Hambleton came together and got the money to build a park in the early 90s, 92. We’ve been trying to keep up with it and not waste the effort they put into it.”
Cassidy said Covid had caused the board’s funds to deplete due to the stoppage of their fundraisers during the pandemic. “Then during Covid, small communities, you can’t have your cake walks, fundraisers and that stuff,” Cassidy said. “So we mowed the grass and tried to paint and keep up. The roof’s bad on the pavilion. Its starting to leak through the sheeting and eventually develop black mold. We’re just trying to keep things going and keep it up for the people of the little town of Hambleton.”
“I went out and checked it and it was spotless,” Commissioner Fred Davis said. “You keep it nice and by going up and seeing you keep it nice, I said we got to help you out. You do a great job, from what I can see, with what you have.”
“The pavilion is used quite a bit during the summer,” Cassidy said.
“I looked at your application, your funding request,” Commission Mike Rosenau said, “and I saw where maintaining utilities has put a strain on you because you couldn’t do fundraisers that much during the Covid epidemic. So, I’ve seen what you’ve done. Your cake walks, your other things you’ve had for fundraisers, but its depleted because of Covid. I appreciate this input, too. I see here you got $2,000 from Parks and Recreation, but your overall project is going to be close to 7500.”
Cassidy said he had a bid last year at this time, but suspected that costs may have changed. “I have a guy right here in Hambleton who has a contractor license,” Cassidy said. “He’s going to give me quote.”
“That’s the community working together,” Rosenau said.
“You’re wanting $5500, right?” Davis said. “I make a motion that we give you $5500 for your park. “
The measure passed unanimously. “Keep it up,” Commissioner Tim Knotts said. “Keep it looking good.”
“I’ve been keeping an eye on the parks,” Davis said. “They’re all kept up in the whole county. We should be happy with what we’ve got.”
“What’s going on in this county,” Knotts said. “Tucker County is by far, by far, leading the State of West Virginia. I believe that.”
“We’re such a small county,” Rosenau said. “Such a small voice, but we work together.”
The next meeting of the Tucker County Commission will be held August 9th at 9 a.m. at the Tucker County Courthouse Old Courtroom in Parsons.