It is official. Summer programs of Harrison County Parks and Recreation are coming to Bridgeport. Compton Park is now one of the county parks department’s locations for free summertime activities, from kick ball and basketball to arts, crafts and other outdoor enrichment opportunities.

 

Last month, Harrison County Parks Deputy Director Doug Comer reached out to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth about incorporating a Bridgeport location. After obtaining Bridgeport’s approval and taking care of some detail work, it became official.

 

About 700 kids take part each summer in the county program, which utilizes various locations. Those sites have changed over the years and have included about all areas of Harrison County except Bridgeport, Comer said.

 

“We represented 80 percent of the county for many, many years and we’ve seen that neighborhood parks like Compton Park actually benefit from having a program like ours there,” he said. “As far as amenities are concerned, if there is a field, playground equipment, pavilion and bathrooms, that’s our home. We want this to be the best six weeks for kids. We know some don’t have summer vacation – Disney or Myrtle Beach to look forward to. We want this program to be not only organized and controlled, but we want kids to have a lot of fun at the same time.”

 

In addition to Bridgeport’s Compton Park, the program will operate this summer in Nutter Fort, Salem, Shinnston, Summit Park, West Milford, Lost Creek, Lumberport, North View and Wilsonburg.

 

The summer parks program runs from June 25-Aug. 3 (except July 4), meeting daily Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. and dismissing at 5:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to pick up children beginning at 5 p.m.

 

The program is free to registered kids ages 6-12, but older kids are welcome and encouraged to take part, too.

 

“Older kids looking for something to do can be part of our volunteer staff It’s a non-paying position, but it might be a springboard for them to get in as a parks leader down the road,” Comer said.

 

The program is still hiring for pay positions for summer 2018 for the summer parks program and Energy Express, he said. High school upperclassmen, college students and adults interested can apply at the Harrison County Parks Web site HERE. For more information, call 304-423-7800.

 

Staff salaries, as well as all program expenses, are covered through a grant from the Harrison County Board of Education, Comer said.

 

Upwards of 80 staff members are employed through the program annually.

 

“And we have a really good retention rate – in the 70 percentile,” Comer said. “It’s hard work, but it’s fun, rewarding work.”

 

Comer said individuals who work with the summer parks program are often approached for years; former “parks kids” telling them how much they appreciated them.

 

“They say (participating in Harrison County Parks summer programs) were some of the best summers of their lives,” Comer said. “That’s because parks welcomed them with open arms, letting kids go there and play whiffle ball, kick ball, arts and crafts, etc.”

 

Oftentimes, activities also include those associated with county park programs throughout the year, such as the Dinosaur Walk held at Harrison County Recreation Complex.

 

Parents can register children for the program, indicating their choice of locations. Children do not have to attend every day. In fact, they can register for a portion of the summer. Registration will be ongoing throughout the coming weeks.

 

For more information on the program and registration, visit the Harrison County Parks Web site HERE.