We recently sat down with Shalom Tazewell and Patti Crawford of our CORE Team, to discuss the Wild, Wonderful & Healthy Summers County (WWHSC) Green Space Project. The Green Space is a multi-generational recreational area built on the West End of Hinton, WV. The Green Space was built to provide community members of all ages – from seniors to toddlers – with a safe, engaging, and unique outdoor environment for various activities.
How were you able to make this project possible?
There are numerous factors that played into making this project not only possible but successful. WWHSC had the opportunity to work with the WVU Community Engagement Team from the Landscape School of Architecture and Design to create the layouts and develop plans for the construction of the Green Space.
The City of Hinton played a role in the creation of this park as well, providing an excavator to level out the ground. We were also fortunate enough to gain funding from several sources, who we will discuss in more detail further along in this blog.
Additionally, this beautiful Green Space Park would not be available to our friends and neighbors today, if not for the Summers County community itself. The positive response and reception from community members, neighbors, and families were a big factor in the development of this recreational area. Engaging the neighborhood with the Green Space as we worked to develop it in stages allowed for community investment in the project to develop as well.
How has WWHSC played a role in this project?
WWHSC played a large role in this project, especially the CORE Team members. These individuals were dedicated when it came to volunteering. Quite a few members who were not able to physically volunteer graciously donated money to help advance the project.
Sharon Lansdale of the Center for Rural Health Development, the parent organization of WWHSC, was such a wonderful help to us. She sent us grant information that made a huge difference when funding the playground. We would not have this Green Space at all if not for The Center for Rural Health Development.
Were there any challenges throughout this process?
While we were given several opportunities, we faced several challenges as well. Finding a lot took a long time, as we searched through the city and talked with private property owners. However, we overcame this challenge when the city purchased a lot on 1500 Summers Street, which is one of the main streets coming into Hinton.
The lot is on a slope as well, which caused the physical challenges of how to arrange the equipment safely and how to make the park’s features accessible.
“The advantage is there is a one-way road into town and a one-way road out of town, and it spans both locations. It’s very visible,” Patti says when referring to the location of the Green Space.
While we had the help of the WVU Community Engagement Team for laying out the plans, identifying volunteers in the community to assist with the physical labor did not come as easily. But in the end, over 75 community volunteers helped with building the park.
And it helped considerably when high school students and neighborhood residents really stepped up to the plate to assist us in accomplishing this goal for our county.
Another challenge we faced was public perception. Some of the people in the local area had a difficult time realizing the significance of this development. But we took the time to speak individually with them and address their concerns.
How does this impact/benefit the community?
The Green Space positively impacts the community by benefiting residents from all walks of life, giving the area more stimulating, recreational opportunities. There is a gazebo, a big train, two park benches, and dogwood trees, providing ample relaxation spots. There are even raised planting beds in the Spring, for visitors to plant vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
Additionally, the balance beam, rope tunnel, and chin-up bars will help children develop their coordination skills, and help improve both upper and lower body strength. There is even a musical fence and a magnifying glass station for mental stimulation.
“We wanted it to be more stimulating both mentally and physically, for upper and lower body strength”, says Shalom.
WWHSC wants to encourage children, seniors, and really any citizen, to get outside and get moving. We want this Green Space to be an inviting space for neighbors to get to know each other and socialize while having the opportunity to exercise. Additionally, WWHSC hopes that the Green Space will become an area for community activities for both children and adults, such as; reading to children and live music.
Did you have help from community volunteer groups?
The success of this project is all thanks to our amazing volunteers. Community members, WWHSC, the WVU Engagement Team, the Amish carpenter who built our train, and the children who painted it.
How did you get funding for this project?
The Green Space Project would not have successfully been built without the generosity of various funders such as;
– Active Southern West Virginia (Bureau of Public Health allocated the funds)
– Summers County Huddle
– Wild, Wonderful & Healthy West Virginia (The Center for Rural Health Development Inc.)
– Hinton City Council
– Summers County Commission
– Appalachian Regional Healthcare
– AARP Community Challenge Grant
– Making a Difference Fund from Hinton Area Foundation
– NAACP
– Family Resource Center >> Community connections
After much deliberation, we have decided to name the Green Space, All Aboard Community Park. We could not have successfully completed this project without ALL who were involved. If community development is something you are interested in, we encourage you to sign up to volunteer. All are welcome and appreciated. Please visit our WWHSC landing page to fill out our contact form to get started.