North Central West Virginia pools prepare for opening day

Doddridge County Parks and Recreation Director Greg Cottrill said preparations for the 2023 opening day of the Doddridge County Park Pool have been underway for weeks.

“We start preparing in early April for the upcoming season. We start to clean the pool and the shower houses, making any type of repairs that we might’ve missed over the winter, and installing new filtration systems for this season.”

Doddridge County is also preparing to make renovations after the 2023 pool season.

“We didn’t do any public-facing upgrades this year — more behind-the-scenes renovations. In the fall though, we are planning for phase two of our renovation. This includes renovating the main pool and the shower houses,” Cottrill explained.

This past Saturday, the park hosted the Mountain State Scottish and Irish Festival, complete with music, food, and traditional Scottish games. In the future, Doddridge Parks and Recreation will be hosting an Independence Day celebration with food, ice cream and, of course, fireworks. In mid-August, they will be hosting the Doddridge County Fair, which will run from Aug. 15 to 19.

In Upshur County, ideas for the 2023 pool season began last summer. Parks and Recreation Director Jeremiah McCourt has high praise for his staff and the atmosphere at the Upshur County Recreational Park.

“When you come to the Upshur County Recreational Park, you’ll notice how helpful and professional our employees are — they are a great group of kids. Even though our pool facility is almost 50 years old, it is top notch. People should be able to have a great time in the family atmosphere that our pool and park foster.”

The Upshur County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a medley of events, including a triathlon and strongman competition on Aug. 12 and the North Central West Virginia Swim Championships on July 14 and 15.

Tony Michalski, director of Marion County Parks and Recreation, is ready to get the Wave Pool and 12th Street Pool open to the public.

“On Opening Day — which is May 27 — it’s Dollar Day at both pools, so it’s one dollar to get in; the radio station will also be at the Wave Pool. Anyone is welcome to have a private party or a picnic at the Wave Pool, from 6:30 to 9:30 (p.m.),” Michalski said.

Michalski explained that both Marion County pools are great options for cooling down on a hot day.

“The Wave Pool has a fully stocked concession stand, available cabanas, and a three-story slide. It’s a great place to enjoy the waves, especially since it’s the first wave pool in the state,” he said. “The 12th Street Pool is more old-fashioned. It opened in 1937, so it has a historic feel. This pool typically isn’t that crowded, so it’s a great place to swim laps or have a mellow day.”