Harrison County Parks and Recreation Commission: West Virginia

Virtual Reality Tour of our new facility

Exterior	Exterior: Fly Around
Low Bandwidth (112k) High Bandwidth (348k)	Low Bandwidth (112k) High Bandwidth (348k)

Interior: Activities 1	Interior: Activities 2
Low Bandwidth (112k) High Bandwidth (348k)	Low Bandwidth (112k) High Bandwidth (348k)

Interior: Lobby	Activity Room
Low Bandwidth (112k) High Bandwidth (348k)	Low Bandwidth (112k) High Bandwidth (348k)

FAQ - HARRISON COUNTY RECREATION COMPLEX AND 4-H CENTER

A reoccurring theme has been “Building the Future Upon the Past”. Can you tell us about the facility’s past?

The existing 4-H Center was built in 1959, and was used originally as a livestock barn and show arena. From 1977 through 1985 the facility underwent numerous upgrades and additions, resulting in the 4-H Center as we know it today. With these ever-changing times and user needs the new Recreation Complex will be built upon the past foundation of the facility’s more than 45 years of service to the citizens of Harrison and surrounding counties.

Moving to the present – what are some of the current uses of the facility?

The 4-H Center now serves as a meeting place for the county-wide 4-H clubs and various other users, such as the Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS), Master Gardeners, Kennel Clubs, West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Service, and “Energy Express”, as well as private and corporate meetings and functions held throughout the year, including many family reunions, weddings, parties and training sessions.

How does the history of current use of the 4-H Center play into the design of the new center?

Larry Rine of MSES Consultants, which designed the center, conducted an extensive history of the facility. Using Census 2000 numbers, he determined that roughly 60 to 62 percent of the county’s population attends a meeting or function there at some point during the year. And, about 80 percent of the time there is a function scheduled there. The new center is badly needed because the existing facility is simply too small and the interior is fragmented, essentially preventing large gatherings. Not only that, but the center is used so much that often events overlap. We get calls all the time from people looking for a place to hold things. It’s used a lot, but we expect the new center to be used even more.

Now to the future: What will be included in the new Recreation Complex?

The new complex will feature two (2) levels. The upper level will house the Harrison County Parks and Recreation Commission offices, to be relocated from their current Harrison County Courthouse location, and a satellite office to serve the WVU Extension Service and its many programs held at the Recreation Complex. The lower level will offer a large activities room flanked by two (2) classrooms, with the ability to open all three (3) areas into one (1) large activity/meeting area. Support facilities, such as a complete service kitchen and an audio/video/data control room, will also be featured. To accommodate outdoor gatherings, an outside activities area will be connected directly to the large activity room on the lower level.

How will the use of the facility change?

The new Recreation Complex will continue to serve as a meeting place for its present users. With its much expanded features, such as increased seating, enhanced audio/visual/wireless internet capabilities, and expanded parking, the new Recreation Complex will provide a desirable atmosphere for County Parks and Recreation, Extension, 4-H, Schools, meetings, wedding receptions, family reunions, banquets, and any other event requiring a large area with all the modern amenities and conveniences. Thus, the new Recreation Complex is truly constructing the future upon the past.

When will the new Recreation Complex be completed?

The project will be completed by the end of December 2006.

What about use during construction?

The new complex will replace the existing 4-H Center which will remain in place until construction of the new facility is complete. It will then be razed for additional parking.

What is the cost of the facility?

This project now stands at more than $3 million with revenue bonds being issued to pay for most of the cost.