On April 20, 2021, members of the Summers County Parks & Recreation Commission met at the Summers County Memorial Building for their Reorganizational meeting. Members in attendance were: County Commissioner Mike Gore, Commission members Mike Cales, Steve Lipscomb, Amy Richmond, Tammy Lilly, and Lesley Woodrum. Ex-officio members in attendance were Sandy Turner, Linda Lancaster and Rick Moorefield. Also in attendance was Robert Bennett.
The meeting was called to order by County Commissioner Mike Gore. Rick Moorefield presided with an overview of the Parks & Recreation Commission Establishment. The four recreational assets overseen by the Summers County Parks & Recreation Commission include: Camp Summers, John Henry Historical Park, Willowwood Road Property, and the Campgrounds that include Bertha, Shanklin’s Ferry and Mouth of Indian Creek.
A review of each property was conducted, and members present discussed prioritizing what needed to occur at each property to make them an asset to the community:
Mike Cales reported on the John Henry Historical Park and said that an application for a Recreational Trails grant for a walking bridge to tie the East end of the park to the West end of the park is currently being processed by staff at the Region One Planning and Development Council. Additionally, a historical building within the park is undergoing renovations to serve as the park’s welcome center.
Sandy Turner reported on Camp Summers and said they were currently getting the cabins and grounds ready for the rental season.
Committee members discussed the Willowwood Property and what could be constructed there. This property was donated to the County by FEMA; however, there are several restrictions to what can be built on the property and/or in the water. The Commission will explore further what can be developed on this piece of waterfront property.
Robert Bennett reported on the Campgrounds. Mr. Bennett oversees the upkeep of the campgrounds and is currently trying to clear all campgrounds of debris to have them open to the public by early May. The County Commission recently voted to allow Mr. Bennett to purchase fire rings and picnic tables for the campgrounds. In addition to this, Mr. Bennett said the pavilion has been cleaned and readied for the season. The toilets are also being made readied for the season. Mr. Bennett noted this year’s nightly fees will be reduced to $15.00. These campgrounds are all primitive camping, and the fees are more in line with this type of camping. Additionally, Mr. Bennett reported on the need of a Host to reside at Bertha Campground for the summer. The Host is needed from May trough November and their duties would be collecting fees and keeping the Campground clean of trash and debris. If anyone is interested, please contact Mr. Bennett at 304-660-6338.
Meeting adjourned by a motion by County Commissioner Mike Gore. The motion was carried by Amy Richmond and seconded by Linda Lancaster.
