CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has announced the successful completion of a fundraising campaign that raised more than $110,000 to improve playgrounds at state parks across West Virginia.
The Playground of Possibilities campaign, launched in November 2025, raised a total of $110,881 to support the replacement of aging playground equipment and the development of safer, more modern, and accessible recreational areas.
According to the Foundation, $105,000 has been awarded in grants to six local park foundations to assist with playground improvement projects.
Three park foundations received $25,000 grants:
- Friends of Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
- Watoga State Park Foundation
- Coopers Rock State Forest Foundation
Three additional foundations received $10,000 grants:
- Canaan Valley Resort State Park Foundation
- Tomlinson Run State Park Foundation
- Stonewall Resort State Park Foundation
The funding will help local foundations replace outdated playground equipment and improve recreational spaces for children and families visiting the parks.
“The response to this campaign has been tremendous, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to making it a success,” said Brad Reed, Executive Director of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation.
“Playgrounds are an important part of the state park experience. They give children a place to play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors while families create memories that last a lifetime. These grants represent a meaningful investment in our parks and, most importantly, in the children and families who visit them.”
The Foundation said the campaign was developed in response to concerns about aging playground facilities throughout the state park system, including equipment that no longer meets current safety and accessibility standards.
Funding was provided through contributions from individuals, businesses, and other supporters.
Although the fundraising campaign has concluded and grants have been awarded, the Foundation says efforts to improve and maintain playground facilities throughout West Virginia State Parks will continue.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to every individual, business, organization, and supporter who believed in this effort and helped make it possible,” Reed added.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that works to preserve, protect, and enhance state parks through fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships with local park foundations.
