Harrison County Parks and Recreation will once again open its doors to the public as Walking with Dinosaurs – Where Old Bones Meets New Science begins this weekend at the Recreation Complex on Rt. 19 South of Clarksburg.

 

During the week, the exhibit will be reserved only for schools visiting for a field day event. Deputy Director Doug Comer boasts about the schedule being full and clarified about the open house hours in a recent interview.

 

“This enrichment is definitely the biggest draw of all the programs we offer. Not to take anything away from our first two enrichments (Outdoor Adventures and All things Science) as the two were fully booked as well, but we offer some evening and weekend hours to allow anyone in Harrison and surrounding counties who wish to come and see museum quality fossils.  Unfortunately, we are not open to the public from Monday through Friday as our staff prepares for the next day class. But, Friday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday/Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. are open to all.”

 

The exhibit carries pieces equal to those you see at the Carnegie Mellon and the Smithsonian. Highlights include a Stegodon and a giant Sloth, which is the state fossil of West Virginia. All in all, those who visit can expect to see some massive pieces as well as learn about the timeline when they walked the earth.

 

“We are the only place in the area, or even the state, that hosts an event like this. Do not expect to see animatronics or things you can ride, but a temporary museum of history that children of all ages adore,” said Comer. “We have this exhibit for nearly two months and the total cost is under $25,000. And because of the Vital Service Levy, we do not charge admission. And with attendance reaching 13,000 on average, we know that our exhibit is just another activity that families can have without hurting the wallet.”

 

New to the exhibit this year will be our Tyrannasaurus Rex room which is strictly reserved for arguably the favorite of all dinosaurs. Photo opportunities include a fleshed out T-Rex leg and Sue, the largest to date fossil head of a T-Rex. Those are just a few of many chances to sneak a photo at our exhibit.

 

This FREE event will begin this Friday, February 2 with doors opening at 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday times are 12 p.m. through 6 p.m. In the event of school closings during the week, the exhibit will still be closed. Also, we will host sleeping with the dinosaurs on three occasions as well as rentals for special events as Comer adds.

 

“Our sleeping with dinosaurs is well received. It fills up pretty quick and kids take part in a private tour of the exhibit, popcorn and a movie, dinosaur themed of course, and a morning pick me up before they leave in the morning. Also, new this year, we are offering businesses or individuals to rent the facility for events like birthday parties, special occasions or business gatherings. People can be treated to an event at the facility while celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other. Please contact the office for more information.”

 

You can reach the HCPR at 304-423-7800 for any questions. Again, during the week, the exhibit will be reserved during the day for field day classes while Friday evenings and the weekends will be open to the public.