According to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton, recently volunteers with the United States Army Recruiting Company led by First Sergeant Shawn Clark did a project that put in new floors in the old and heavily used dugouts. Burton said that portion of work on the dugouts, which were much needed, is complete.

 

“Prior to their work, there were no concrete floors,” said Burton. “Basically, it was just dirt. Too many times it wasn’t even dirt; it was just mud.”

 

Clark is with the United States Army Recruiting Company, which is headquartered in Fairmont. His group is responsible for recruiting throughout North Central West Virginia, but also has the responsibility of giving back to the communities in which they work.

 

“As non-commissioned officers we got out and participate in community service projects,” said Clark. “We recruit volunteers to serve in our country’s army, but we’re also recruiting to give back to communities as well. It can be a project such as this or it can be by serving as coaches or mentors in various youth leagues or at the schools.”

 

As for this project, it helped out an area that Burton said has been a concern for some time. Now they appear to be on the road to not only having new floors in the dugout, but other upgrades.

 

“Right now, there are no benches in the dugouts because we took the old benches out,” said Burton. “We’ve ordered new benches and we’ll have them installed shortly after we receive them.”
 

Burton said additional work is going to be done on the dugout roofs. He anticipated that work to be done this week at the earliest.

 

“(Clark) got in touch with me about doing community service project and I told him we could absolutely use the help,” said Burton. “In our position, it’s always refreshing to see groups and individuals step up to help make the facilities better for those that utilize them.”

 

Burton said even without the benches the dugouts are usable. The new benches, he said, will complement the volunteer work taking place.

 

Clark said he was joined by six others in the effort. He said it all stemmed from meeting Burton during the city’s Christmas “Light Up Night” and offering assistance for community projects.

 

“Don was thrilled with the offer,” said Clark. “We’re happy he took us up on it because this was a really nice project.”