File Photo The parks department in Parkersburg next week will hold three public meetings to get information from residents for the development of parks.

Public meetings planned for Parkersburg Parks & Recreation Department

PARKERSBURG – The City of Parkersburg Parks & Recreation Department will hold public meetings next week in a listening tour to gather information from residents for the continued planning and development of the City Park System.

The department maintains community parks and recreational areas throughout the city, including Point Park, courts for tennis and pickleball, pools, ponds, the newly refurbished waterslide at Southwood Park and the Ohio River Trail. The city’s nine public parks provide opportunities for active, social living and getting together with family, friends and neighbors.

In addition to caring for more than 130 acres of parkland, the department also manages facilities and equipment at each park location, as well as maintaining all other city-owned property.

The meetings will provide an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts and ideas on the department’s programs, services, and facilities, and have a voice in shaping the department’s future planning.

The listening tour will consist of three meetings at different locations in t the city. Meeting times and locations are:

* Monday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library’s South Parkersburg Branch, 1807 Blizzard Drive.

* Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. in the Summers Auditorium at Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library’s Emerson Branch located, 3100 Emerson Ave.

* Thursday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers on the second floor of the Parkersburg Municipal Building, One Government Square.

For additional information, contact Ashley Ware, neighborhood planner, city of Parkersburg, 304-424-8418, ashley.ware@parkersburgwv.gov or Chris Rynd, Development Projects Administrator, City of Parkersburg, 304-424-8595, chris.rynd@parkersburgwv.gov.