We are happy to connect with you all and share updates through this monthly newsletter. We will tell you about special events, share updates on projects in the parks, and keep you informed of upcoming leagues and programs.
Welcome Fall! The weather is beautiful, and leaves are changing. This is truly a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy our parks. Our fall leagues and programs are underway. From fast-paced fun to relaxing solitude in a natural setting, our parks & programs offer something for everyone.
As we move further into the season, watch for some exciting updates about improvements to Poorhouse Farm Park and our new park in Spring Mills as construction there nears completion. Come out and watch the action as our leagues move into playoffs. The players have been working hard and are excited to show off their skills. Also, don’t forget to plan some time in your busy schedule for a relaxing walk or picnic in your favorite park.
Please browse this newsletter and see our website and socials for additional information. As always, we are here and happy to answer any questions you may have.
Enjoy the season and I hope to see you out in the parks!
Joe Burton
Executive Director, Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation
The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation Board is thrilled to announce a grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Land & Water Conservation Fund of $91,163.50 for the construction of a new Inclusive Playground at War Memorial Park.
The playground will consist of a sensory dome with several exciting features that will be accessible to people of all abilities. A poured-in-place floor surface will make movement through the playground easy for patrons with assistive devices. This will be phase one of the Inclusive playground design with more components to be added in the future.
“This is a fantastic improvement to an already great park. This playground will provide safe, recreation to all who visit. The design will allow members of our community to enjoy some fun playground features that may have been previously inaccessible to them,” said Joe Burton, Executive Director of MBCPR. “I want to thank our Board members, the City of Martinsburg, and the dedicated employees at Region 9 whose work made this grant award possible.”
The total construction cost is estimated at $182,000. Notice of this grant award will allow MBCPR to move forward with bids for construction services with plans to start the project in Spring 2025.
The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Department propelled into the Holiday season with their exciting Operation North Pole event held on December 2nd at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center. Park staff and community members enjoyed the carefully planned activities and crafts that were offered.
From inflatables and lifesize board games to Selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Café with free hot cocoa, cider, and donuts, the center was packed with fun for everyone. One of the most popular make-and-take stations was the advent garland craft where event goers designed a chain link garland with a countdown to Christmas.
With 208 registrants, the event was extremely successful. MBCPR is grateful for its staff that worked diligently to create an event that evoked the true spirit of the season for all the children and families who participated and will continue to offer these exciting recreational experiences in the future.
This program introduces kids to the basics of various sports and activities in a fun environment. It will include soccer, basketball, flag football, kickball, t-ball, and tag games. **PARENT PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED.**
This program introduces kids to the basics of various sports and activities in a fun environment. It will include soccer, basketball, flag football, kickball, t-ball, and tag games. **PARENT PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED.**
War Memorial Park remains one of the most frequented parks in Berkeley County. The MBCPR is unwavering in its efforts to maintain and enhance this staple in the community.
During October and November, War Memorial received a new basketball court with fresh concrete pads and freshly painted lines, new backboards, and rims. The youth of the community have already been enjoying it. Tracy Snow, Director of Parks & Maintenance shares,
“At this point, we are ecstatic about the turnout, the kids absolutely love it and have been enjoying it, even as the weather has gotten cooler.”
A fence is set to be put up around the court in late December for the completion of the project. The department is also relining the court at E. Burke Street court during December as well, giving the children and teens even more opportunities to get outside and exercise.
To stay up to date with the improvements and additions to our parks and recreational activities, see our Facebook page.
The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Department is committed to its mission to create positive changes in the community with upgrades and additions to the parks and facilities as well as providing more recreational opportunities.
Recently, the Pier at Poorhouse Farm Park received a complete and total renovation. The project began in September and took a little over a month and half to complete. The bottom boarded path was replaced with natural wood to preserve the same style and ambiance that the previous path did. The handrails, however, were upgraded to a vinyl wood material with a longer lifespan.
Tracy Snow, Director of Parks & Maintenance is excited for the finished product saying,
“It really is beautiful and an amazing upgrade to our Parks.”
The project was so successful that it will be used as a foundation for future park renovation projects.
The pier has been open to the public since November 1st. The MBCPR is excited for the improvements and is anticipating its use through the spring and summer 2024.
Space may be limited in some of these programs, so don’t wait to register.
TinyTots Soccer
For children 3 years of age (and their parents) as of November 4, 2023. $40 per child. Held at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center Main Gymnasium on Saturdays from 12:00 – 12:45pm.
For children ages 3 and 4 as of November 4, 2023. (Parent participation required) $40 per child. Held at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center Main Gymnasium on Saturdays from 9:45 – 10:35am
For children ages 4 as of the first date of the class $55 per child Mondays, November 6th – December 11th, from 5:15-6:10pm and will be held at The Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center Quad Gym.
For children ages 5 and 6 as of September 7, 2023 $55 per child Held at The Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center Quad Gym Mondays, November 6th – December 11th, from 6:15-7:15pm
For children ages 6-10 $30 per child Held at Moose Field (adjacent to the back parking lot of the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center – 273 Woodbury Avenue, Martinsburg WV 25404.) on Sundays, October 15th & 22nd, from 4:00-5:30pm
For children ages 4 – 7 as of November 4, 2023. $40 per child Held at The Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center Main Gymnasium on Saturdays, November 4th – 25th, from 10:50-11:50am
For children ages 9-13 as of November 7, 2023. $65 per child. Held at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center Quad Gymnasium on Tuesdays, November 7th – 28th, from 6:00-7:15pm
Winter Leagues (Basketball & Futsal) will begin registration on Monday, October 2nd.
🏀 WINTER BASKETBALL & FUTSAL (INDOOR SOCCER) LEAGUES are open for registration!
More information ⬇️
ℹ️🏀 BASKETBALL
For the winter season, you can register to play at either the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center in Martinsburg OR at the W. Randy Smith Recreation Center in Inwood. *Be sure to select the correct location when registering your child(ren).
Berkeley 2000 Rec Center Leagues: Squirts – ages 6 & 7 as of July 1, 2023, and in 1st or 2nd grade; Boys – ages 8 – 14 as of September 1, 2023. Girls currently enrolled in grades 3-5 for the 2023/2024 school year.
W. Randy Smith Rec Center Leagues: Squirts – ages 6 & 7 as of July 1, 2023, and in 1st or 2nd grade; Boys currently enrolled in grades 3-12 for the 2023/2024 school year; Girls currently enrolled in grades 7 & 8 for the 2023/2024 school year.
💳 Fee: $75 ($85 non-resident) siblings discount of $5.
📍Games will be held at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center in Martinsburg (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) or W. Randy Smith Recreation Center in Inwood, WV (Thursdays & Saturdays), depending on where you choose to register to play. Practices can begin as early as November 27th and the season will beginning the beginning of December. Drafts will be held between November 18-20, depending on division and location. **Please see details during registration and on your emailed receipt for date, time and location specific to your child’s division.
📅 Please note that there are limited spots for each division. The registration deadline is 5:00pm (in-person) and 11:59pm (online) on November 13th or when spots fill in each division whichever comes first after which we will only accept wait-list registrations. A $10 late fee will be added if your child can be placed on a team.
📢 We do not accept player requests for coaches or specific teams.
ℹ️⚽ FUTSAL (INSDOOR SOCCER) is a co-ed league open to ages 6-14; U-8 division – children ages 6 and 7 born between 01/01/2016 – 12/31/2017; U-10 division – children ages 8 and 9 born between 01/01/2014 – 12/31/2015; U-12 division – children ages 10 and 11 born between 01/01/2012 – 12/31/2013; U-15 division – children ages 12 – 14 born between 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2012.
Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced, small-sided soccer game that is played across the world. Five a side game which includes one goalkeeper for each side, with a much small field, mostly played indoors and uses a (slightly) different ball. Players will use their skills and creativity to become more decisive in their decision-making during the game. Player development is emphasized and will give the players the skills they need to grow.
💳 Fee: $75 ($85 non-resident) siblings discount of $5.
📍Games will be held on Saturdays at the W. Randy Smith Recreation Center (Inwood, WV) and/or if needed, Ramer Center Gymnasium (Martinsburg, WV). Drafts will be held on Saturday, November 18th at the W. Randy Smith Recreation Center for registered players in divisions U-10, U-12 & U-15. **Please see details during registration and on your emailed receipt for time specific to your child’s division. The U-8 division does NOT have a draft and you will be contacted by a coach with your team information. 🖥️ Online Registration HERE: https://bit.ly/WinterLeagueRegistrationsONLINE
