KIMBALL, WV (LOOTPRESS) — State and local leaders gathered recently to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the War Memorial Train Observation Park, the first train observation park in West Virginia.
Located in Kimball, the new attraction is expected to complement the historic World War I Memorial Building while providing residents and visitors with a dedicated place to watch passing trains.
McDowell County Tourism Executive Director Jennifer Justice said the project began with an idea from Kent Walker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The park was built on land provided by the World War I Memorial Board, with construction completed by Birchfield Construction. Funding was provided by the National Coal Heritage Area Authority and the McDowell County Commission.
The Town of Kimball assisted by accepting supply deliveries, preparing the park for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and committing to its ongoing maintenance. Markella and Jim Joe Gianato also helped receive project supplies.
Justice also credited the McDowell County Tourism Board of Directors, staff members at the Jack Caffrey Center and her husband, Doug, who helped install tables and benches and complete the park’s finishing touches.
Representatives attending the ceremony included members of the McDowell County Tourism Board, West Virginia Tourism, the National Coal Heritage Area Authority, the McDowell County Commission, the World War I Memorial, the Town of Kimball and the USDA.
“We hope that this park will be a great addition to the World War I Memorial Building and the Town of Kimball and serve the community of Kimball, McDowell County and our visitors for years to come,” Justice said.
