(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

At the Parkersburg City Council meeting on 7-25-23 I spoke about the exciting Recreation/Event Center that will be a great addition to our area. I would like to clarify that I was incorrectly portrayed in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel on 7-27-23 as saying I liked the concept but not the location. I addressed some of the constraints with the City Park location and encouraged looking at sites that might also contribute to economic development.

If the primary use of the facility is for a neighborhood recreation center, the Parkersburg City Park would be a great location. If the primary use is for large community activities, then a site with better access and parking would be more desirable.

Personally, I would like the facility to be located downtown. It would pair very well with the activities of Downtown PKB and help revitalize downtown. Restaurants and shops located near the facility would generate growth for the city and local business owners.

There is a significant amount of underutilized property downtown. It will be a challenge to insure there is adequate parking for businesses and to piece together a parcel large enough for the facility. There must be significant cooperation between business owners and the City. Additional financial and real estate contributions may be needed.

This is likely the closest we will ever get to a Civic Center. We should think big and go beyond a neighborhood Rec Center located on City property. The facility should have both recreational and economic benefits. The facility should be centrally located so that all citizens of Parkersburg and the entire region will have easy access to one of the top attractions in the area.

Hopefully there will be more time for public discussion and review of alternatives, before a final decision is made.

Les E. Pritchard

Parkersburg