WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – A bill to rename a playground at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in honor of West Virginia children and families affected by childhood cancer has advanced out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
According to Sen. Jim Justice’s office, the legislation would redesignate the primary playground in the Grandview area of the park as the “Hearts of Gold Playground: In Honor of West Virginia Children and Families Impacted by Childhood Cancer.”
Justice said the committee voted to advance the bill Wednesday.
The legislation was introduced by Justice, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. Carol Miller on Sept. 30, 2025, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The Grandview playground has long served as a gathering place for families and children visiting one of West Virginia’s most popular national park destinations.
According to Justice’s office, the proposed name recognizes the strength of children battling pediatric cancer and their families. The “Hearts of Gold” name references the gold ribbon, the international symbol for childhood cancer awareness.
While serving as governor, Justice proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in West Virginia. He also signed legislation creating a special license plate supporting efforts to cure childhood cancer.
The bill will now move to the next stage of the legislative process for consideration by the full Senate.
