Bridgeport Parks and Recreation hosted the 50^th Anniversary of the West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association Conference Sept. 19-21. Participants attended classes, heard from speakers, and browsed exhibitors at The Bridge Sports Complex, where they also sampled the recreational amenities.

 

The conference began Tues., Sept. 19 with a golf outing at Clarksburg Country Club with lunch sponsored by Service Supply Ltd. An exhibitor hall at The Bride followed and the day ended with a welcome social at Mountain State Brewing with special music by Craig Messenger, sponsored by Cunningham Recreation.

 

Registration began early Wed., Sept. 20, followed by breakfast sponsored by Bridgeport Parks & Recreation. An official welcome was extended by Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth and Mayor Andy Lang. Keynote Speaker Mark Honberger, director of Remarkable Recreation Solutions, addressed attendees, after which they explored The Bridge Sports Complex, playing pickleball, trying the Clip N’ Climb and playing archery tag. An exhibit hall and exhibitors’ luncheon followed, sponsored by Terradon. Taking the floor next, speaking about marketing and social media, was Madolyn Mallory, marketing coordinator for The Bridge. After some words by Honberger, the group traveled to Bridgeport Conference Center for the 50^th anniversary dinner and concert, sponsored by Omni and Associates and CDC. Music was provided by Josh Folmsbee and the Crooked Roots. A Hillbilly Auction rounded out the evening.

 

Thursday’s breakfast was sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau. General manager of The Bridge, spoke about team building, after which information about Department of Highways programs and grant opportunities was shared. Attendees were able to explore resources available to improve grant writing success. A 12 p.m. awards luncheon, sponsored by Thrasher Engineering, wrapped up the three-day conference.

 

Editor's Note: Photos are by Joe LaRocca. See more images in the gallery below.