Army Corps, Lewis County First partner for beautification project at dam

Located off of Interstate 79 at Exit 96, guests can walk trails, have picnics and do a little fishing. In 2021, a solar charging station was added through a partnership with Arch Coal, as well as a play area for children that is handicap accessible.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Jeff Toler said in a 2021 interview. Toler is resource manager for the state park and dam.

The Army Corps contacted the Lewis County Commission for assistance, and the commission put them in touch with Lewis County First. Members worked alongside dam and lake personnel planting trees.

Toler said the day use area was too open and that they wanted to provide trees for shade, adding that this project was not just for beautification purposes but environmental reasons.

“We’ve also added more park benches and viewing scopes at the overlook,” Toler said. The overlook is located near the dam and affords views of the lake.

Other more recent projects include a newly planted pollinator garden. Toler said they hope to add more features to that in the future such as benches and learning exhibits.

“We want to make sure it grows first,” Toler said.

The maintenance staff, made up of leader David Johnson, Sean Hawkins, Amanda Rexroad and a seasonal employee, are responsible for making these projects a reality. Toler said they are the team that carries out the vision.

“The maintenance team has worked so hard here. They’re proud of what they do,” Toler said, adding that he and Ranger Scott Hannah are proud of their efforts, as well.

The added attractions, including a cornhole playing area, are being completed through partnerships with not only Arch Coal, but the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, First Energy, Dominion and, recently, the Welles Group. Without these partners, Toler said, the added attractions would not be possible.

The pier also has been made handicap accessible, with benches and room for wheelchairs to maneuver to enjoy the view. Toler said the goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy the facilities. Plans are underway to make the small playground at the day use area more accessible for wheelchair users, as well.

A concrete path will be set from the picnic pavilion to the digging toys.

The area is more than about recreation, as it helps to get families and children out into nature, but also serves to teach them about the importance of the dam and flood control. Toler is on site to answer questions about the dam. Staff also will visit schools and organizations to discuss the recreational benefits and the dam itself.

“I encourage the public to visit and enjoy the facility,” Toler said.

Stonewall Jackson Dam is located at 1012 Skin Creek Road in Weston. The gate for traffic closes at 3:30 p.m., but pedestrians can still enjoy the facility after that time. For more information, call 304-269-4588.