Category: Park Updates

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 1^st. The MBCPR is excited for the improvements and is anticipating its use through the spring and summer 2024.

• Poor House Farm Park / Nature-Based Playground:  A site-prep meeting was held at Poor House Farm Park on Wednesday, June 14th.  Signs notifying the public of construction work will be posted for caution and work is expected to begin in about 4 weeks.  This will include creating a level 42′ x 42′ pad for the Jungle Dome feature (20′ climbing dome structure), the 3′ rise for the zip line feature (two side-by-side seated parallel zip lines for safe and fun play) and surface prep for the parkour play elements.  The installation of these features is scheduled for August.  We will provide status update posts as things progress.
• Rooney Park:  1). The playground surface is currently being prepared as well as the creation of a retaining wall at the site.  Installation is expected on or after Labor Day.  2). Nature walking trails are being cut-in at the hillside behind the pavilion.  There are two trails: one is on move level ground at the lower area and a more challenging course that goes up the hillside. We hope to have those ready in the next 4-5 weeks. Entrances will be marked.  More details and updates to be provided as the projects progress.  Use caution in the area at this time as there may be equipment on-site at any given time while these improvements are underway.

All work is estimated and could be affected by inclement weather conditions.

 Exciting news! The Gateway Children’s Garden at Ambrose Park will reopen starting MONDAY, JUNE 12TH! There is NO FEE to explore this amazing outdoor facility. The Children’s Garden will be open from June 12 – August 11, 2023 on the schedule below. 
 Monday-Friday, 9:00am-1:00pm
 Monday & Wednesday, 5:00pm-8:00pm
 Fridays, 5:00pm-8:00pm ONLY ON THESE DATES: June 23, July 7, July 21 & August 4
 Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm ONLY ON THESE DATES: June 17, July 1, July 15 & July 29
Ambrose Park off Mall Drive in Martinsburg, WV
 Free

 The Potomac Audubon Society will host their Nature in the Neighborhood program held during open hours at the Children’s Garden on Tuesday, August 8th & Wednesday, August 9th. More details on this coming soon.

The new greens at the War Memorial Park mini-golf course have been installed today, so the course will reopen tomorrow at 11:00am. It’s a great weather week for a round or two of putt-putt with family or friends.

The Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Department is excited to share the enhancements and additions that are coming to Rooney Park, located on Back Creek Valley Road in Hedgesville. The 17 acres at Rooney Park currently boast one large baseball field, one youth-sized field and a pavilion.

First, a new playground is being built below the already existing gazebo. This will be a great addition for Berkeley County residents with children. Also, the creation of new trails will give community members a new place to exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery the park offers.

Improvements that have already been completed include two brand new dugouts and updates to the infields and some of the turf areas.

MBCPR Executive Director, Bob Williams is grateful to the community members who helped make the renovations stating,

            “Thanks to the volunteers who helped build the brand new dugouts.”

Williams is excited that the MBCPR can afford residents these new opportunities expressing,

            “We hope you (the Berkeley County community) will get to enjoy them soon.”

The MBCPR remains committed to improving the local parks and public spaces in the city and county to provide its citizens ample options for outdoor leisure and activities.

🚧👷 War Memorial Park Playground MONDAY UPDATE: The work started this morning with pouring concrete! 🤗

📢 Just a reminder that if you or your business would like to sponsor a play feature to add to this area, please contact our Administrative Office at info@mbcparks-rec.org or at 304-264-4842.  You can use the link below to see what options are available ⬇️:

🤝https://bit.ly/WMPPlayEquipmentSponsorDetails

🟢 NOTE: Once construction is completed, the area will be cordoned off to allow the damaged grass areas to be reseeded and undisturbed for a period of time prior to public use. We will keep you posted on this as we get closer.

Funding for this project provided by: 

Berkeley County Development Authority

Martinsburg, West Virginia – City Hall

M-BC Parks & Recreation

 We have had volunteers committing hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars (👏👏👏 thank you, thank you!) to improve the ball fields at Rooney Park to include new dugouts, turf and other amenities.  Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation is committing over $16,000 to provide water and electric to the site. 

👷 Installations are expected to take place over the next few months. 

➡️ Future additions we will be looking into, as funding can be secured, is the installation of a playground and trails for recreational purposes.

👀 CHECK IT OUT! 📢 In case you didn’t know, plans have been underway to provide a park in the north end of Berkeley County and construction is about to begin! With the approval of the storm water inspectors, we anticipate work will begin within the next 30 days and the estimate the overall project to be completed in 8-10 months.
📍 Located in Spring Mills where 901 & St. Andrews Drive meet
This 10-acre parcel will include (see concept rendering below):
🟢 2 pavilions
🟢 A playground (Tot Lot)
🟢 Restroom facility
🟢 A walking trail through the wooded portion of the lot
🟢 Parking area

This project has been generously funded by the Berkeley County Council – WV ($350,000) and several individual donors. Thank you! 👏

ℹ️📸 We will pass along information as well as pictures and updates as work begins. We are excited to have this new addition to the park system, providing a play, picnic and walking area for residents and visitors to that area of the county.