April 26, 2021

MCPARC continues to make operation adjustments as the climate of the pandemic shifts.
  • Outdoor Pavilions - capacity limits have been lifted allowing the maximum group size for each reservation
  • Police Reserve Building - Capacity remains limited at 50 people per reservation
  • The MCPARC office will be open to the public beginning May 14th with a maximum capacity of 5 visitors at a time
  • For season pool passes and fishing park passes, appointments are currently, and will continue to be required
In addition, each facility will only be rented to one group per day, allowing for adequate cleaning between reservations. 

March 29, 2021

Following the lift of gathering six restrictions, the following restrictions have been changed.
  • Pavilions 1 and 2 at East Marion Park can now accommodate group sizes of up to 100
  • All other MCPARC pavilions are limited to 75 people

February 19, 2021

In response to Governor Justice increasing social gathering sizes, our reservation guidelines have changed (see below).In addition, we are only issuing one permit per day for each facility at this time. 
  • Police Reserve Building - up to 50 people are permitted to gather for each reservation.
  • Outdoor Pavilions - up to 75 people are permitted to gather for each reservation

November 12, 2020

Our traditional K-3 Basketball League has been converted to a virtual video series that will commence at the end of November. Click here to register with no commitment. We will revisit the possibility of having in-person play in January.

We continue to take facility reservations but we are limiting group sizes to 25 people or less. Please abide by the guidelines set forth in the rental contract. If you have any questions concerning your rental or event, please call the office.

At this time, all outdoor restroom facilities at all our parks have been winterized, which means they are closed for the season.

July 13, 2020

At this time, our athletic fields are now resuming their normal schedules.

July 8, 2020

Following the recommendations given by the Marion County Health Department and the decision made by the Marion County Board of Education to cancel all middle and high school aged sport practices. trainings, and activities, MCPARC will be closing all athletic fields beginning tomorrow, July 9th. We will continue to move with fluidity as this pandemic situation continues to change.

June 26, 2020

​Like you, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of the Wave Pool at East Marion Park.  We’d like to share some of the changes we’re implementing with our patrons’ health and safety as our top priority.  Please note that this is an ever-changing situation and additional modifications may be necessary throughout the season.  To stay up to date with MCPARC, please follow us on Facebook or visit our website, www.mcparc.com. 
Admission Policies
  • There will be a daily limit of no more than 150 guests admitted to the pool and the admissions gate will close once that number is reached
  • Admission will be limited to West Virginia residents only
  • Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, no drop-offs permitted
  • No re-admission or re-entry permitted
  • Guests will be subject to a screening questionnaire and required to complete a safety waiver prior to entry
  • Small coolers will be permitted but will be subject to inspection (no alcohol, no glass bottles, no metal cans)
Schedule
  • Hours of operation will be 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily
  • The Wave Pool will be closed on Wednesdays to allow for extra deep cleaning and sanitization of the facility
Amenities
  • Our concession stand will be closed this season
  • Bottled water will be available for purchase
  • Restrooms and high-touch areas will be cleaned and sanitized frequently throughout the day
  • Seating areas will have reduced capacity and tables/chairs will be spread out to maintain social distancing
  • Lounge chairs will be spaced apart to maintain social distancing and will be limited to use by only one guest per day
  • Areas around the pool will be marked off to indicate appropriate social distance for families and groups
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the facility
  • Lockers will not be available this season
  • Tube rentals will not be available this season

In addition to these modifications, we have established new protocols for cleaning, lifesaving, staffing, and more, to ensure compliance with the guidelines set forth by local and state health officials as well as the CDC.  Pool staff and management will be subject to daily health screenings and personal protective equipment will be in use throughout the facility.
​
We ask that our guests exercise care and caution when visiting the Wave Pool.  Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 or feeling ill in any way should not visit the pool.  Anyone who has traveled out of state, particularly to areas experiencing high rates of infection from COVID-19, should wait at least 14 days following their return to WV before visiting the pool.  Guests should limit the size of their group as much as possible and maintain proper social distance throughout their visit to the Wave Pool.  Please expect that all guidelines will be strictly enforced by our management and staff. 

Unfortunately, our revised operational plan does involve elimination of some offerings this season.  We are unable to hold swim lessons or take reservations for our event room.  At this time, we are not booking evening pool parties.

​We thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience throughout the season.  These changes and modifications are being made out of an abundance of caution so that our visitors can have an enjoyable and SAFE experience at the Wave Pool.  We look forward to seeing everyone this summer!

June 9, 2020

  • Beginning Wednesday, June 20th, visitors from out-of state are now permitted to recreate in the State of West Virginia. 
  • Beginning Saturday, June 13th, all of the MCPARC playgrounds will be open for public use. The following parks with playgrounds are maintained by us.
    • East Marion Park
    • Curtisville Lake Park and Campground
    • Hutchinson Park
    • Worthington Park
    • Mary Lout Retton Youth Park

June 5, 2020

  • The Playground at Mary Lou Retton Youth Park will be open beginning Saturday, June 6th.
  • Current gathering size restrictions at our reservable facilities:
    • East Marion
      • ​Pavilion 1: 100
        Pavilion 2: 100
        Pavilion 3: 25
        Pavilion 4: 25
        Pavilion 5: 25
        Pavilion 6: 25
        Bandstand: 25
        Police Reserve: 50
    • Mary Lou Pavilion: 25
    • Worthington Pavilion: 25
    • Curtisville Pavilion: 25

May 29, 2020

The playground at East Marion Park is now open. Please practice proper hygene and maintain appropriate social distance while recreating in public spaces.

May 22, 2020

Marion County Residents, 

Like all of you, Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission is encouraged by the Governor’s blessing to open pools in the State of West Virginia beginning May 30th. At this time, MCPARC is still awaiting extensive guidance from the Governor’s office and our local Health Department on proper policies and procedures.  We expect that conforming with these guidelines will require extensive planning, training, and significant changes to our normal day-to-day operations.  The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority.
 
Additionally, there are still limitations on usage of other park facilities.  The current gathering size restriction of 25 people or less is still in place and pertains directly to our pavilions, the Police Reserve Building, and all other areas of our parks.  Our athletic courts, playing fields, and playgrounds remain closed at this time.
 
While we appreciate excitement and optimism around the Governor’s plans for reopening and resuming many of our favorite activities, there are still many factors yet to be determined.  Please refrain from calling our office to inquire about opening dates for pools and other facilities.  If and when we are able to identify those dates, we will make announcements on our website and social media pages, so be sure to follow us for regular updates.  MCPARC appreciates your patience as we work to determine exactly if and when we will be able to commence operations in a manner feasible and safe for everyone involved.

May 13, 2020

Marion County Citizens,

Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission (MCPARC) and our Board of Directors would first like to recognize the resiliency that we see in you, our community members and supporters. In these difficult times, it is important to recognize we are prevailing and must stay the course as West Virginia takes measured steps towards re-opening.
MCPARC is moving forward in keeping with official guidelines and we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we proceed through this evolving situation. Please take a moment to review the following updates on the current state of our facilities and programs.
  • In light of the cancelation of this summer’s Playground Program and Day Camp, we are pleased to partner with the Marion County Board of Education to provide summer feeding on a weekly basis at all of our Playground Program sites. Services will begin on June 3rd and conclude on August 12th. Additional information, including a detailed schedule, is available on our website and registration through the Board of Education is required.
  • Currently we are unable to make any final determinations regarding the opening of our pools for the 2020 summer season. While we understand that many of you look forward to spending warm summer days cooling off at the pool, the well-being of our community remains our top priority. If we do receive clearance to open at some point this summer, our operations will likely be significantly modified, looking much different than years past. We will continue to provide updates as this situation develops.
  • Governor Jim Justice recently indicated that if the statistical numbers in West Virginia continue to improve, Little League and other non-contact youth sports may be able to resume on June 8th. We will continue to follow the Governor’s orders and work with Fairmont Little League and other organizations on proper procedures if/when youth sports are able to resume.
  • We’re currently taking tentative pavilion reservations for future use only. No permits will be issued until group gathering restrictions are lifted. At this time, no one is permitted to gather at pavilions or shelters in groups of more than five people, with or without a tentative reservation. We are conducting frequent patrols of our facilities, and gatherings will be dispersed if these rules are breached.
  • The Rail Trail system is open. Please follow the appropriate traffic pattern and maintain at least six feet from others. Always make others aware of your presence as you are about to pass them on the trail.
  • Open spaces in all parks are open, including FIDO’s Backyard dog park.  All playgrounds and public restrooms are closed.  Marion County is still restricted to group gatherings of less than five people. If you plan to use the playing courts, please only recreate with those from your household and keep the group size at or under that limit.
  • Effective May 22nd the Curtisville Lake Park and Campground will be open. Camping sites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and all payments are made at the camping area. Fishing is also permitted at Curtisville lake. Visitors are asked to observe proper social distancing practices.
  • Guyses Run Fishing Park will open when group gathering size restriction increases to 25 or more people. At that time, visitors should anticipate that a number of social distancing measures will be in place. EDITED - OPENING MAY 30th.
 
Thank you for understanding and please know that our rules and restrictions are in place to maintain the health and safety of our community. For tentative pavilion reservations and general questions, email [email protected]. Continue to follow us on social media and check our website for updates.

March 16, 2020

To all Marion County residents and park patrons:

An essential part of operating our parks involves maintaining the health and safety of our staff and visitors like you. Marion County Parks and Recreation understands the seriousness of COVID-19 and will be taking the precautionary measures outlined below. We will continue to adapt as the situation evolves.

Until further notice:
  • All athletic fields will be closed. There will be no team practices or gatherings permitted on the fields. This follows the cancellation of extracurricular activities and the closing of public schools by the Board of Education and the Governor of West Virginia.
  • All restrooms at MCPARC facilities will also be closed.
  • Our office at 1000 Cole Street, Suite B, is not accepting walk-in visitors. Please contact us by phone (304-363-7037) or by email ([email protected]) if you need assistance. Payments and applications can be placed in the drop-box.
  • Facilities rentals, including park pavilions and the Police Reserve building, are suspended through May 10th. MCPARC will work with groups already scheduled to postpone or cancel as needed.

The following MCPARC events are CANCELED:
  • Curtisville Family Fishing Day April 10th
  • MCPARC Easter Egg Hunt April 11th
  • MCPARC Bus Trip: Lancaster, PA April 17th-18th

Marion County Parks and Recreation encourages the public to exercise caution, practice good hygiene, and continue following the guidelines set forth by the CDC and other public officials. If you have questions or need further assistance, please call or email us.