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 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) 

### 

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 [September11th, 2023] – Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation (MBCPR) announced today that Bob Williams has resigned his position as Executive Director. A search for a new Executive Director will begin immediately. The public will continue to be updated throughout each phase of the search process.

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 [August 29, 2023] – Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation (MBCPR) is thrilled to share details about our revamped Summer and Fall Programs. These offerings showcase our continuing commitment to provide our community members with diverse recreational opportunities.

Summer 2023 Programming Highlights:

1. Extended Summer Adventure Day Camp: MBCPR is proud to announce that our Summer Adventure Day Camp was extended from 8 to 10 weeks, inclusive of Before/After care at no extra fee. Camps were available at both recreation centers, offering up to 10 hours of daily activity.
2. Girls Volleyball Clinic Success: After our Girls Volleyball Clinic spots were filled in record time, MBCPR responded by offering an additional session at Randy Smith Center, ensuring more of our community members had an opportunity to participate.
3. Basketball Camp Expansion: Building on the success of 2022’s basketball camps, two additional Basketball Camps were introduced – one at Berkeley 2000 and another at Randy Smith Center.
4. Enhanced Tennis Camps: Due to their growing popularity, we added more sessions to our Tennis Camp at PO Faulkner that gave more campers the chance to hone their tennis skills.

In total, these enhancements made room for an impressive 439 additional participants to enjoy our summer programs.

Youth League Scheduling Update:

1. Basketball: The Athletics Division has streamlined our basketball program to three seasons (fall, winter, and spring). Randy Smith Recreation Center will host fall and winter seasons, while Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center will offer winter and spring leagues.
2. Volleyball Growth: Reflecting the nationwide trend, MBCPR is boosting our youth volleyball activities, offering a fall session at Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center and a spring session at Randy Smith Recreation Center.
3. Soccer and Futsal: Soccer continues with sessions in both fall and spring at DuPont Soccer Complex. To accommodate more of our athletes and families, we’ve invested in better soccer goals, improved field conditions, and enhanced parking areas. For the winter months, Futsal will be available at Randy Smith Center.
4. Inline Hockey: Players can look forward to inline hockey twice a year (fall and spring) at Oatesdale Park.

The revisions to our schedule optimize the use of our facilities and evenly distribute activity offerings throughout the county.

“We’re committed to the evolving needs of our community and are excited about these changes,” comments Bob Williams, Executive Director.

Recreations Services Coordinator, Jennifer Justice is excited to continue serving the Berkeley County community stating,

“As our community continues to grow, our department will evaluate and revise our offerings to match the demand and help ensure equal services.”

To learn more about our events and programs, or to register, visit Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation (mbcparks-rec.org) or call the Park office, (304) 264-4842.

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) 

### 

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. 

We are excited to offer OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS back at Poor House Farm Park. These are FREE to attend and open to all. Bring some chairs or a blanket and claim your spot on the grass with family and friends!

Friday, June 30th: Despicable Me

Friday, July 21st: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie

Friday, August 11th: The Super Mario Brothers Movie

Poor House Farm Park (233 Almshouse Rd., Martinsburg)

Movies will begin at 8:45pm

We will have concessions available for purchase (cash only, please) or you can bring your own snacks or even a picnic dinner.

Martinsburg, WV (May 26, 2023 The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation (MBCPR) department brings new trails to Poor House Farm Park.

The MBCPR has been working diligently to grow and develop the programs and parks in the Berkeley County area. Most recently, they have completed the addition of new trails at Poor House Farm Park. There are two new trails, one close to the lake and the other near the football field, both are marked with orange paint for easy identification. The first trail spans .75 miles, while the second boasts two loops and 1.25 miles of walkable space. With views of North Mountain, Tuscarora Creek, forest areas, and meadows, the new trails provide areas with sun and shade and are a direct response to community surveys that concluded citizens wanted more walking/running trails.

Executive Director, Bob Williams says, “It goes back to our community survey. One of the top 5 things people wanted to see in our community was more nature trails.”

“We’re really excited to provide what people are seeking,” Williams continues.

Poor House Farm Park is located on Poor House Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403.

See MBCPR’s Master Plan for More Information on Upcoming Development

To see all the plans for MBCPR visit, MBCPR-1.3.2022_FINAL_19DEC2022_Single-Page-Layout.pdf (mbcparks-rec.org).

###

Media Contact:                                   

Moises Mendoza          

(304) 283-1774

Moises@scmarketingwv.com

With recent days in the 60s and 70s, and daffodils starting to pop up from the ground, it is easy to think about warm spring days and getting outside.  I think we still have a few more winter-like days ahead of us, but it won’t be too long before we can shed those big jackets.  And that is exciting.

One new way to be active outside this spring will be a new playground at War Memorial Park.  We are having a groundbreaking ceremony on March 10, and construction should be about 3-4 weeks.  The City of Martinsburg, the Berkeley County Development Authority, and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board committed the funds to make this a reality.  Be sure to check out our website and social media about the opening of the playground in April.

April 1 is the start of the pavilion rental season.  Many of the parks have pavilions of many sizes for families and groups to rent for a great day in the park.  There are 2 pavilions out at Poor House Farm Park, and multiple pavilions at War Memorial Park for use.  Several of the other parks have a gazebo which is great for meeting for lunch, or an evening meal with your family or friends.  And they are near other great park amenities, like playgrounds and trails.  Book your next event in a pavilion on the website or by calling our office.

If you are looking to make an impact this summer, consider working for Parks and Recreation!  We are currently looking for Summer Day Camp Counselors and Lifeguards.  Our staff interacts with youth and their families daily while they are out of school this summer, making a positive impact on their lives.  Often a first job for many in our community, working at Parks and Recreation gives you a start on your work or school career, giving you a hands-on experience serving people.  You can apply on-line, with links on our website under “About Us.”

There are other great projects in the works that you will hear about in more detail in the coming months.  The Board has awarded the bid to start the Spring Mills Park project.  We are meeting with the design team about the Inwood Park creation.  And little things, like painting the silo at Poor House Farm Park and putting a new roof on the small restroom at War Memorial Park, will be completed this spring in a constant effort to improve our parks.  Programs like the Summer Concert Series and June Jubilee are well into the planning stages in preparation for you all to join us this summer.

I hope that you get a chance to enjoy this warmer weather, and are looking forward to Spring.  I’ll see you outside!

Bob Williams, CPRP

Executive Director

Martinsburg, WV (February 10^th, 2023-The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation (MBCPR) department is excited to announce that it is implementing one of its first improvements of 2023 with the addition of a new playground site at War Memorial Park.  

The Parks and Recreation board, staff, and Berkeley County leaders have been collaborating since 2021 to assess the mounting needs of the growing community. As the population continues to increase, the MBCPR is dedicated to upgrading the area parks and facilities for everyone in the city/county to enjoy. 

The War Memorial Park project has been a priority for the MBCPR, as they have been working diligently to collect funds to see the project to completion. Thanks to contributions from the City of Martinsburg, grant funds, the MBCPR board, and the Berkeley County Development Authority the budget has been filled with an estimated date of completion set for early April. Park visitors will see new climbers, slides, and sun-shades among the add-ons.

MBCPR Executive Director, Bob Williams is excited for the future of Parks and Recreation stating, “We seek to continue to build upon the great foundation and continue the legacy for our great and growing community.”

War Memorial Park improvements will be ongoing, any business or community member wishing to donate or sponsor future upgrades and enhancements should contact Bob Williams at 304-264-4842.

About MBCPR Master Plan-To see all the plans for MBCPR visit, MBCPR-1.3.2022_FINAL_19DEC2022_Single-Page-Layout.pdf (mbcparks-rec.org)