Dozens of dignitaries gathered at the eastern end of Petersburg last week. Though they huddled together – bundled up to protect against the winterlike temperatures and relentless wind – visions of warmer days in the spring and summer remained in all minds present.
Warmer days when young, old, and everyone in between can come out to enjoy the latest extension of the Petersburg River Park Hike and Bike Trail
As 11 o’clock approached, Bob McCauley announced “everybody’s cold! Let’s get the ball rolling!”
“Why are we here,” McCauley asked rhetorically, then said “we’re here to celebrate the Petersburg River Park Hike and Bike Trail.” He explained that though this stage was completed last August, that now was the “time to have the dedication.”
Progress on the Hike and Bike Trail has continually moved forward since the effort commenced four years ago. McCauley explained that the trails first received gravel, then a paved surface for more resilience. Emphasis has also gone into making sure that trail meets Americans With Disability Act requirements so as many as possible can enjoy it.
In other areas, such as Harrison County, allowing certain types of motorized vehicles has resulted in vandalism, excessive speeds, and other problems that make enjoyment for all difficult. This trail allows no motorized vehicles, “but everything else is fine,” said McCauley.
He then said proudly “this will be the 10th park in the Grant County system” and described it as “a linear park.”
The point of the day lay in thanking the long list of elected and appointed officials, as well as community volunteers, that made the day possible.
McCauley started by citing help from the Petersburg Lions Club, who volunteered to assist with trash pickup.
He then shared that “easily over 50 people all worked together to make this happen,” then started with the County Commission, naming all, then introducing County Commission President Kevin Haggerty, who came to represent that body.
“I just want to thank everybody . . . this is obviously a huge one,” the Commissioner shared, then added the project was “years in the making. We couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
Later in the day, Haggerty shared that “he’s been in our office every week. He’s been instrumental.” He then described McCauley as playing a vital role in a number of county improvements “from Bayard to here.”
McCauley next cited the work of the Petersburg Mayor, Gary Michael, and Council. Mark Geary represented that elected body and stated “we just appreciate everyone’s efforts on this.” He added that “Bob and Sarah” referring to McCauley and Petersburg City Recorder Sarah Moomau “have been relentless on this.”
He explained that the original grant of $25,000 secured by State Senator Bill Hamilton needed a match. The County Commission, City of Petersburg, and Grant County Schools each kicked in a third to make the grant whole via the match. Mitch Webster, Grant County Superintendent, shared that “when the school system and community can come together, it speaks volumes.”
Webster also informed the gathering that “I know kids use it a lot . . . to walk and ride their bikes.”
Next, McCauley thanked the West Virginia Division of Highways, saying “I can’t say enough” about their assistance. He also praised the firms that performed engineering work. L and W Enterprises of Petersburg did some of the preliminary tasks while Geary and Associates conducted a great deal of the design phase.
He said the area was fortunate to have two engineering firms with such stellar reputations.
A representative from WVU Medicine’s Grant Memorial Hospital also spoke, sharing that the facility “is proud to support and advocate for needs such as this” due to the expected benefits of helping those who use it to maintain or work toward good health. He called it one of many “proactive steps in preventing chronic diseases.”
Others recognized by McCauley included Carla Kaposy, executive director of the Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau, State Senate President Randy Smith, and Delegate John Paul Hott. He stated that both elected officials visit and support the area often. Doug Lambert, former Superintendent of Schools, had worked with Sen. Hamilton to obtain the original grant.
After those who worked to bring the project to fruition received recognition, officials extended the ribbon to cut. Under a brilliant sky that almost made up for the frigid conditions, the ribbon was cut and the trail’s opening was now official.
