When you think of Bridgeport, sports are often one of the first things that come to mind, and rightfully so. Bridgeport has had a great deal of participation and success in athletics: team-wise and individually, at all ages, and across almost all sports. The recognition and accolades received are the product of hard work and dedication by all involved. While those accomplishments are significant, the most important benefits of sports training are healthier minds and bodies for our children. That same health and wellness goal is also appropriate for the adults in our community.
Bridgeport has a wide selection of commercial workout facilities and businesses offering different exercise and fitness opportunities. With the construction of the CityNet Center at the Bridge, Bridgeport has developed a first-class indoor facility for sports tourism and wellness. The courts, pool, turf field, fitness center, track, and exercise classes provide an extensive opportunity for our residents and those from the region to come and work out to achieve a greater level of personal health. This has been a serious step forward in improving the quality of life for our community, but it alone is not enough. According to national surveys, outdoor recreation is now one of the most sought-after amenities in choosing a place to live in the United States.
Fortunately, Bridgeport is already well-positioned for outdoor recreation and is diligently working to improve our options for residents and visitors. The NCWV Regional Airport and our location at the intersection of I-79 and US Route 50 create a unique opportunity for Bridgeport. Centrally located, we are just a short drive from some of America’s best white water, skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, zip lining, boating, climbing, ATV riding, and mountain biking. Flying in or driving from all parts of the country, visitors come to Bridgeport to venture out and experience some of the area's fantastic outdoor recreation venues.
Within the city, our current and future outdoor recreation opportunities are managed by the Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department. They provide and maintain six outdoor tennis courts, five outdoor basketball courts, three outdoor sports fields, a handball court, two municipal lakes, the city pool, eight outdoor grass baseball fields, a turf sports field and its incorporated baseball field, one grass nature trail/running course, a sand volleyball court, five playgrounds, and seven paved trails which run throughout the city. Bridgeport residents and visitors already have many options for outdoor exercise, but we aren’t finished yet.
Two outdoor projects near and dear to my heart are on the horizon for the city. The Bridge’s Inclusive Playground will bring an outdoor recreation option to many who require modified or unique features for playground facilities. Features to be included are designed for those with physical, visual, auditory, sensory, and other exceptionalities. There will also be many standard playground features so everyone can enjoy the playground together. Seeing the joy on the faces of our community members and their families when the facility is up and running will be something to behold and provide a spirit of community in its purest form.
The other is the continued extension and connection of our Comprehensive Trail System. Over the past twenty years, I have witnessed and encouraged the growth of walkers, joggers, and runners in our community. As the former Cross Country and Track & Field coach at Bridgeport High School and co-founder of the Bridgeport Road Warriors, I worried about our athletes and club members out running on the roadways. Our vision is to provide a continuous and interconnected trail system throughout the city, from Briarwood and the lakes into downtown and beyond to the Bridge and United Hospital Center. The Comprehensive Trail System will allow runners, walkers, bikers, strollers, and dog walkers to traverse as much distance as their hearts (and coaches) desire without the constant danger of being in the path of automobile traffic.
Also in the works is the development of master plans for improvements and additions to the Bridge, the Benedum Civic Center grounds, and the Bridgeport City Pool in the coming years. Being discussed for the Civic Center are an enhanced and expanded playground, an upgraded basketball court, free-use green space, a small gathering/ performance area, a shelter, a new pedestrian bridge, and additional parking. Serious consideration is also being given to creating a new pickleball and racket sports complex at the lakes to replace the current tennis courts at the Civic Center. Long- term planning for needed renovations to the City Pool has already begun. The hope is to provide an even more family-friendly experience at the pool. Master planning is still in the works for potential additions to the Bridge Sports Complex. Additional indoor courts, more outdoor fields, turf for the baseball infields, and a variety of new recreation possibilities are on the table as potential add-ons and upgrades to the site.
“Why Bridgeport?”
Rather than wait, the Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department has been and continues to be proactive in providing high-quality parks, sports facilities, and outdoor recreation amenities for our residents and the surrounding area. Combined with the other outdoor opportunities just a stone's throw from the city, people moving here from across the country will see the advantage of locating in Bridgeport. As North Central West Virginia grows, Bridgeport will continue to be one of the best places to live and raise your family. This vision and leadership in Bridgeport keep us moving forward and consistently improving the quality of life in our community for our residents and visitors.
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