Another big step was taken on Monday to help with the construction of the Medbrook Children’s Charity Inclusive Playground.

 

State Senator Patrick Martin was on the future site of the inclusive playground at The Bridge Sports Complex to present a check for $25,000 to assist in the project. Accepting the check was Harrison County Commission President Susan Thomas. She was joined by fellow commissioner David Hinkle and representatives from the City of Bridgeport.

 

“With the local economic development funding we have here in the state, we’re allowed to take it back to our districts and direct that money to local projects,” Martin said. “I thought this was a great project not just for Bridgeport but for all of North-Central West Virginia.”

 

The playground, which will be constructed just to the right of the Citynet Center, will allow children to play with their peers and family members by removing barriers that would prevent them from playing.

 

“The important thing to remember through the whole process, the whole design is to remove as many barriers as possible so all kids can play together regardless of what they can or cannot do of what disability they may have,” Bridgeport Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Shuttleworth said. “It’s for all children to play together.”

 

“We’re approaching the finish line for the fundraising for the inclusive playground. Construction has started, equipment should be rolling in any day now. We are excited. We thing it’s going to be a fantastic addition to not only our complex here but to the community because it’s going to meet the needs of a lot of children.”

 

Shuttleworth said the project will cost about $1.4 million when it is all said and done and most of the funds have been raised grass roots along with the help of a few grants and some seed money from the City.

 

“We’ve had everything from $50 donations all the way up to six-figure donations so it’s been a project that the total community has gotten behind.

 

“It has been incredible. It speaks volumes to our community.”

 

Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang has been one of the driving forces behind the inclusive playground project since its inception, said the check presented by Martin because of mechanism for the funding will go to the County Commission and they will in turn send it to the Friends of Bridgeport Recreation.

 

“The city stripped the topsoil about two months ago,” Lang said. “We have a contractor lined up and ready to get started.”

 

For more information and to learn how you or your business can donate to make this incredible project a reality, visit www.friendsofbridgeportrec.com. Individuals can also call 304-842-8240.

 

Editor's Note: In the photo from Tuesday’s check presentation, from left to right: Recreation Director for Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Amy Callahan, Parks and Recreation Direct Joe Shuttleworth, Harrison County Commission President Susan Thomas, Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang, State Senator Patrick Martin and Harrison County Commissioner David Hinkle.