Author: Parks Recreation

The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board welcomes their new Executive Director, Joe Burton. 

Burton was approved by unanimous vote on December 8, 2023 after the conclusion of a national search for candidates.  Burton has spent much of his career working in both private and public sector positions in Berkeley County.  He brings extensive experience in project management, program development, and operations.  Burton will assume the role of Executive Director on January 16, 2024 and will report to the nine-member Board.  Burton will oversee all staff, operating budget, and execution of the MBCPR Master Plan. 

Board President, Jennifer Smith comments “The Board of Directors believes Joe is the ideal Executive Director to lead MBCPR’s next chapter of growth and success.  We are impressed by skills and experience and excited for him to start. “

Burton states his excitement for the position, “I am absolutely honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve Berkeley County in this role.  I realize I have big shoes to fill; I will be continuing the work of some great leaders.  MBCPR has gathered input from our residents and developed great plans for our growing community.  Our city and county leaders are supporting these quality improvements.   I am thrilled to be part of the team that will see them to fruition and continue to expand our parks and programs into the future.”

About MBCPR 

To learn more about MBCPR visit, Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation (mbcparks-rec.org) 

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MBCPR

About Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation: MBCPR is dedicated to providing a variety of recreational activities and events for the community of Martinsburg-Berkeley County. We aim to enhance the quality of life through recreational opportunities, services, and facilities.

 Martinsburg, WV (July 25th, 2023)– Lambert Pool has been a part of Martinsburg’s history for over 40 years, providing children and community members an opportunity to stay active and cool during the summer months. In recent years, the pool has required many costly repairs to remain open and it is at the end of its useful life. During this opening season, it was determined that the pool was unable to remain operational, even with extensive work with pool professionals and the camera scoping of all the water lines. The current pool sits atop a high-water table that presented operational issues for years and MBCPR has been advised to explore alternate solutions. 

Based upon these factors, both MBCPR and City Council have explored options to provide an aquatic experience for residents. At the recent City Council meeting on July 13, Mayor Kevin Knowles and City Council members voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to negotiate and present a scope of work to City Council to develop detailed concepts and estimates for an outdoor or indoor splash pad facility to replace Lambert Pool. This scope of work will be presented at City Council’s July 27, 2023, meeting. 

Mayor Knowles states, “I recognize the importance of providing quality and diverse recreational opportunities at the Steve Catlett Recreational Complex (Lambert Park). I am committed to ensuring that this project is completed so that it can serve our City’s youth for generations to come just as Lambert Pool has for the last 40 years.” 

The concept of a splash pad is to provide zero-depth aquatic activities for up to 300 users. The proposal that is being presented will have approximately 50 different elements, multiple slides at different heights, dump buckets, water jets, hose sprayers, spinners, and other fun elements. The entire area would see improvements, including shade structures, tables, games, and other recreational elements. 

MBCPR believes that a splash pad will further diversify activities that are available to Martinsburg and the greater community. Executive Director, Bob Williams shares, 

“There is so much excitement here because it provides an alternate solution for the facility, and it provides an opportunity for young kids and families to do something new that hasn’t been available to them.” 

As the project continues to develop, the MBPRC and City Council will keep the community updated on its progress. 

About MBCPR 

To learn more about MBCPR visit, Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation (mbcparks-rec.org) 

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Media Contact: 

Moises Mendoza 

(304) 283-1774 

Moises@scmarketingwv.com 

Above is a concept of the splashpad being proposed and does not represent the final design or elements. 

Welcome back Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are closing in on the end of another year.  We are excited that you have been able to make this journey with us this year.  We’ve had some great programs as well as challenges, and we are happy that we can continue to serve our community.

Recently, Operation North Pole was a huge success.  Our first winter event was held on December 10^th at the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center, and we had over 150 people celebrate with us.  We played reindeer games, had fun making holiday crafts, had selfies with Santa, and enjoyed a snack and hot chocolate at Mrs. Claus’ Café.  Due to the overwhelming excitement around Operation North Pole, we will be holding this as an annual event.

I am happy to announce that the MBCPR Board adopted the Master Plan at the December meeting.  We have been working on this all year, engaging with stakeholders to look into the future to prepare for the program needs that our growing community will need.  There is information on our website about the plan.  I am also available to make presentations to your group or organization so that you can learn more about it and how you can become involved in its success.

Some of you have been asking how you can contribute or volunteer.  Both of these are great ways to get involved, and help us provide more for the people we serve.  If you or your group is interested in volunteering, please contact us at the email or phone number listed at the bottom of this webpage.  If you would like to contribute but don’t know how, I would be happy to connect with you about a contribution to the Friends of Parks and Recreation group, support for some new playground equipment that we would like to install this spring, or perhaps you can sponsor a bench or table.  Specific info on this and more is coming in the next couple of months. 

There are many programs in the new year.  Our regular sports programs at both recreation centers are posted in our online catalog on our website.  Pavilion rentals start the first business day of the year, which will be January 3.  Pool information should be out in March.  And details about favorite programs such as June Jubilee, the Summer Concert Series, and more will be made available as we move through our planning.  It should be another great year.

From all of us at MBCPR, we wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season, and many new adventures in the new year.  We are looking forward to going there with you.

Bob Williams, CPRP

Executive Director

We have exciting news.  You may have seen that there have been a lot of new projects getting started at MBCPR, and we want to share what is happening over the next several months.

But first, we have an improved website.  We wanted to make it easier to connect with us, and to be able to get the information you need more easily.  We will also be sharing information and updates on projects and programs here, as well as on social media.  Take a look around and let us know if you don’t see something that you need.  We want to make sure that you find it useful.

There have been several projects that have been announced in recent weeks.

• Poor House Farm Park land expansion – The County Council purchased 70 acres to add to the north side of the park.  This will bring the total acreage to over 200 acres.  We are currently working on possibilities for this new area, including more trails, pavilions, opportunities along Tuscarora Creek, and more.
• Spring Mills Park development – The County Council approved $350,000 for the creation of a 10-acre park just west of the Spring Mills/Rt 901 exit of I-81.  There will be a walking trail, playground, pavilion, restroom, and parking lot.
• Nature Based Playground at Poor House – An area across from the lake and Tuscarora Creek has been cleared for the development of a play space that will have natural play elements, chainsaw carvings of woodland critters, and elements for kids to explore.

Lastly, we are close to sharing the MBPR Master Plan with the community.  The stakeholder group has been looking into the next 5-10 years, and how we prepare to meet the demands of our growing community.  They have based this on feedback from many of our park users and supporters.  We are looking forward to sharing this plan with you soon.

We will now be putting out these updates on these and other programs and projects regularly.  We will also be sharing news on social media and through the new blog post feature on the new website.  Let us know what you think about the changes.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Bob Williams, CPRP

Executive Director