New playground with accessible features opens in Ronceverte

By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV

The only things shining brighter than the sun yesterday at Ronceverte’s Island Park were the faces of local children, overjoyed with a brand new playground.

“We’ve been wanting to do this for years,” said Mayor Deena Pack. “Now we’ve finally been able to do it.”

Funding for the project came from the city as well as grants, including one from the Marie Liest Foundation. Pack gave credit to CIty Administrator Pam Mentz, the city council, city staff, and local residents. “We’re all doing this together for these guys,” she said as she pointed to children playing behind her.”

The new playground is located on Island Park adjacent to the Greenbrier River in Ronceverte.

City Councilwoman Ashley Guet was beaming with excitement at the ribbon cutting. “I’m so proud I can’t stand it,” she said. “My heart could explode.”

Guet explained that it’s not just a new playground; it’s an accessible playground, by design. “There are wheelchair ramps, friendship and tandem swings, a non-verbal board,” she told The RealWV. “It’s part of our effort to make Ronceverte inclusive.”

One of the tandem swings is dedicated to Mary McLeese, who left a donation to the city for the addition of the swing before her death. “That will be Miss Mary’s Swing,” said Pam Mentz. “It takes an idea, time, and lots of support to make these things happen.”

Asked for their opinion on thumbs up or thumbs down scale, all the kids in attendance gave the new playground enthusiastic thumbs up.

Jason Morgan, a parent of an elementary school student who lives nearby, said, “It feels like things are moving again in Ronceverte. It’s terrific!”