New renovations to the Southwood Park Slide included newly poured concrete, bathrooms, a larger pool at the base of the slide, and structural improvements to the slide itself. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

PARKERSBURG — The community gathered at Southwood Park Monday for the Slide Dedication Ceremony.

The dedication was to celebrate the completion and reopening of the community water slide. The event proceeds with the reopening of the pool in June 2024 after the Southwood project began years prior with planning commencing in 2017.

To celebrate the reopening of the slide, admission to the pool was free for the public with slide access for guests from 5:15 to 7 p.m.

Mayor Tom Joyce gave the opening remarks at the ceremony and dedication to former Mayor Al Smith.

“We came in on time and on budget,” said Joyce. “And we’re here to dedicate this in memory of Al Smith.”

The kids enjoyed the reopened Southwood Park Slide for free from 5:15 to 7 p.m. on Monday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Smith held the title as city mayor from 1978-82 and he brought the slide to the park during his time as a city official.

“He had various projects he was working on throughout the city, and anything that brought families together,” said Valori Mace who is the daughter of Smith.

Samantha Mace, who is the granddaughter of Smith, revealed the dedication plaque during the ceremony.

“It’s really cool seeing all the kids having such a good time, there’s not much for us to do on the south side with our kids,” said Samantha.

The nearly $900,000 investment into the water slide renovations allows for families to gather and enjoy the park on a hot day.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce spoke at the Southwood Park Slide Dedication Ceremony on Monday. The event commemorated the hard work put into making the water slide open again for the public. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“I’m so excited because of all of these improvements,” said Valori. “All of the kids are utilizing it and Dad was always for progress.”

Valori and Samantha Mace gave a special thanks to Mayor Joyce and councilwoman Sharon Kuhl for making a push to complete these renovations.

The Southwood Slide project finished Phase 1 in 2023 before Phase 2 was initiated earlier this year.

Phase 2 focused on improvements to the infrastructure and replaced outdated mechanical systems. A new concrete pool area was installed featuring a zero-slope entry, updated sidewalks and a larger pool at the base of the slide. There were new restrooms constructed as well as improvements made to the electric, sewer and water.

The slide renovations totaled $897,000 in federal funding from The American Rescue Plan act and focused on improving the functionality as well as fixing any hazards and structural damage.

Kids and young adults lined up to slide down the reopened Southwood Park Slide on Monday. Participants are given a mat to lay on as they go down the slide which twists and turns down the hillside and ends in a small pool. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The renovations were completed by local contractor, United Construction Co. Inc.

The Southwood Pool and Slide are open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The pool season is from May 24 to Sept. 1.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.

Samantha Mace revealed the dedication plaque next to the Southwood Park Slide on Monday. The dedication is to former Mayor Al Smith and his vision for Southwood Park. (Photo by Amber Phipps)