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* Wood County Parks Director Jeremy Cross and Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Mark Lewis continue to look for new ways to bring tourists to our region. From improved trail possibilities such as the Parkersburg Ohio River Trail or everything available at Mountwood Park, there are outdoor options for just about anyone. But they aren't just thinking about out-of-towners. Completing a bridge over Pond Run would connect Point Park to the Grand Central Mall. "At that point, it not only becomes a recreational trail, but a commuter trail where people can park at the mall and ride (a bike) to work in downtown Parkersburg or vice-versa," Lewis said. As we think more about the health of our environment and ourselves, such a possibility is intriguing. Kudos to those in our community who work hard every day to bring these kinds of ideas to life.
* In fact, counted in that group must be officials in Belpre who are developing a new comprehensive plan for Civitan Park. Among the possibilities there are six pickleball courts and renovations to the pond in the middle of the park. "We're taking our time with this. We don't want to make a rash decision," said Mayor Susan Abdella. "Once we have more information, we will release it to the public and present it to City Council." After the ideas have been carefully explored, surely this plan, too, will be a boon for local residents.
* Turning indoors, it is heartening to know a local family that had been in possession of a piece of history has been able to return it to a place where it should be right at home. Zoe Hall of Washington, W.Va., and her parents, James W. Jr. and Rosemary Merrill of Parkersburg, donated a cupboard believed to have been owned by Margaret and Harman Blennerhassett to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. It is on display on the main floor of the Blennerhassett Regional Museum of History at Second and Juliana streets, and will be moved to the dining room of the reconstructed mansion in April prior to the May 1 opening of the season. What a wonderful gift for our community and state.