MOVING FORWARD — Crews from Fort Steuben Maintenance have been at Marland Heights Park in recent weeks, beginning construction of a new restroom facility. It is one of several improvement projects underway for the Weirton parks system. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation continues to focus on a series of improvement projects, with progress taking place on two of the board’s major efforts.

The new rooftop air and heating unit has been installed at the Millsop Community Center, which will provide heating, humidity control and improved air circulation for the area of the center’s indoor swimming pool.

“All the curbing is in place. Everything is ready to go,” noted Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle during Thursday’s board meeting.

Another step in the process is to address any issues with the ceiling above the swimming pool, with Shingle explaining there is some concern about the effects of years of humidity buildup. Once an assessment is complete, new ceiling panels will be installed.

Members of the board asked about the possibility of potential future projects.

“I know you have a lot of improvement programs in the works,” board member Anthony Capp said, requesting a consideration of improvements to the court flooring.

Board member Rick Stead also asked if it would be possible to get a similar air control system for the gymnasium area.

Stead added he feels more plans need to be made for the future upkeep of the community center, acknowledging there are several current parks projects in the works.

“Once those things are done, we need to focus on the building,” he said.

Shingle agreed improvement projects will be necessary, but explained there is little revenue for them, with the board typically having to look for grants, seek donations or request funding from Weirton City Council.

Improvements at Marland Heights Park also are underway, with crews on site in recent weeks to begin the construction of the new restroom facility.

“There’s actually work being done,” Shingle said, pointing out the footer for the structure has been installed. “The next phase will be to begin the foundation.”

Fort Steuben Maintenance was awarded the contract for the restroom in December, with a goal to have the project completed by May 1.

The board also is continuing to look at the possibility of a new phase of improvements to the Starvaggi Memorial Park playground, though board members noted it may be smaller than initially proposed with a proposal of $113,000 and only $60,000 available.

Proposals also are being sought for improvements at the Bennett Drive playground, with Shingle explaining three bids are needed for the project, which is using Community Development Block Grant funding.