BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Members of the Raleigh County gathered along with local leadership on Monday to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for Dry Hill Prosperity Park’s Tales & Trails initiative.
Brought about as the result of a partnership between the Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority, National Coal Heritage Area, Beckley Area Foundation, and West Virginia State University Extension Services, Tales & Trails brings learning to the great outdoors with stories presented through signs installed by the Raleigh County Parks staff along the sprawling, paved walking trail at Dry Hill Prosperity Park.
“We’re very excited to share this moment,” said Molly Williams, Executive Director for Raleigh County Parks & Recreation. “This park is already used quite widely, so we’re excited to offer something else to our visitors and guests here at Dry Hill Prosperity Park.”
Executive Director of National Coal Heritage Area, Christy Bailey also addressed those in attendance, extending gratitude to collaborative partners involved in the initiative and offering praise for the first featured Tales & Trails book: When I Was Young in the Mountains, written by Cynthia Rylant, a West Virginia native. The book was illustrated by Diana Goode and was awarded the Caldecott Honor Medal.
Also in attendance was Beckley Area Foundation President Doug Ramsden, who spoke just prior to the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon.
“We do appreciate you allowing Beckley Area Foundation to be a part of this event today. Our mission statement is to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving for the benefit of our community,” said Ramsden. “This pilot project provides, at no cost, a family-friendly activity that encourages outdoor activity while encouraging an opportunity to advance a child’s reading skills. Beckley Area Foundation is proud and pleased to be a part of this grant project.”
Dry Hill Prosperity Park and the Tales & Trails pathway are open to the public, and Williams stated during Monday’s event that the hope of the organizations behind the initiative is for When I Was Young in the Mountains to be the first in a planned series of books on display for Tales & Trails.
Dry Hill Prosperity Park can be found at 1829 Maxwell Hill Rd, Beckley, WV 25801. Those with questions and those interested in becoming involved with Raleigh County Parks & Recreation events and initiatives may reach out by email to rcpaevents@gmail.com or by phone at (304) 934-5323.
Additional information is available at the Raleigh County Parks & Recreation website, and may also be obtained by contacting parsandrec@raleighcounty.com.