HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched a statewide campaign to replace and modernize aging West Virginia state park playgrounds, some of which date back decades and no longer meet current safety or accessibility standards.
Aging West Virginia state park playgrounds need upgrades
The new initiative, called Playground of Possibilities, aims to raise funds to repair, update, or fully replace playgrounds located in state parks, forests, and along rail trails. Foundation leaders say that many of these facilities are outdated, although they are important to their communities.
“Much of the playground equipment at our parks is aging, outdated, and does not meet the needs of all children,” said Bradley Reed, executive director of the foundation. “In some areas, the outdated structures are in danger of becoming unsafe. Playgrounds at Watoga State Park were recently removed for that reason.”
While some parks boast newer facilities, the last system-wide effort to update West Virginia state park playgrounds took place in 2010 and excluded many structures built in the 1970s. Many of those older play areas also remain inaccessible to children with disabilities.
Foundation launches ‘Playground of Possibilities’ campaign
Reed said the foundation sees this as a key opportunity to address unfunded needs across the park system. At least 20 of West Virginia’s 48 park areas require major playground replacements or upgrades, and many others need extensive maintenance.
“One of our major foundation goals is to support state park needs that are not funded in the regular agency budget,” Reed said. “This is our opportunity to make a difference.”
Communities depend on park playgrounds
Kim McCluskey, the foundation’s treasurer and former chief of programming services for West Virginia State Parks, emphasized the role that playgrounds play in both tourism and local community life.
“Playgrounds are integral to the mission of our park system,” McCluskey said. “In these wonderful wild spaces, our children discover the joy of the great outdoors and experience for the first time Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.”
She noted that West Virginia state park playgrounds also serve as essential recreation sites for families living in rural areas without city or county parks.
“We talk quite a bit about the value of bringing tourists in,” she said. “What we don’t talk about is the role our state parks play in local communities.
"In many areas of the state that lack their own city or county parks, our state parks provide the primary source of free outdoor recreation. I don’t want to even imagine a state park without a great playground for our local citizens.”
West Virginia state parks contribute an estimated $521 million annually to the state's tourism economy, making them a vital part of both visitor activity and local recreation.
Why playgrounds are vital to communities
Playgrounds play a significant role in social and economic development, enhancing community livability, attracting families, and increasing the desirability of residential and commercial investment.
Modern, safe playgrounds serve as essential public amenities that enhance the quality of life—a key factor businesses consider when locating or expanding their operations.
Playgrounds support tourism by enriching park and recreation infrastructure, which increases the length of stay and spending of visitors in surrounding communities.
Well-designed playgrounds also contribute to public health by promoting physical activity, reducing long-term healthcare costs, and enhancing the well-being of area residents.
Studies in community planning have shown that access to recreational facilities, including playgrounds, is associated with higher property values, stronger neighborhood cohesion, and improved talent retention, making these amenities strategic components of economic growth initiatives.
How to support the playground improvement campaign
The foundation is encouraging residents, alumni of the parks, and supporters of outdoor recreation to contribute to the effort. All donations are tax-deductible.
For more information about the Playground of Possibilities campaign, including donation opportunities, visit lovewvstateparks.com.
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This has been a problem for years. The play grounds are not the only thing that needs updated in are state parks. The campgrounds have put dated bath houses that are not ADA compliance. Most of the campgrounds does not have water or sewer hookup. The electric system is outdated in most of them. Why does all the money that is collected at each state park campground go to one budget 🙄 The money that the parks take in should stay in that park for upgrades. So when you start looking at playgrounds in the parks. look at other things that make up the park. We should not have to take up funds for this. The state has enough money to fix the issues.