With the opening of the pools, paddle boats and the miniature golf course, the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Dept. is bustling. Bruce Pool and Lewis Wetzel Pool opened May 30, as did the Lewis Wetzel Paddle Boats. The Bruce Baby Pool is scheduled to open Saturday, June 6.

Safety Town

Not only is the parks department gearing up their facilities for summer, the summer activity planning is well underway. The department will be sponsoring its annual Safety Town Program coming up June 15-26. Children ages four through six will learn safety procedures through involvement. Today, more than ever, children need to learn safety procedures.

In their controlled environments, they will ride bikes, learn to cross the street (mini-street) properly and various other safety issues will be addressed. Some important topics covered include: train track safety, fire safety, stranger safety, pet safety, poisons, 911 and other emergency personnel will come to speak with the children and teach them how to react in certain situations.

This will be a “hands on” program, including traffic rules carried out on bicycles, tricycles and big wheels in the mock town square, located in Lewis Wetzel Park. Safety Town is taught at Lewis Wetzel Family Center & Park from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for two weeks. Snacks will be provided daily. There will be a graduation ceremony at the end of the two week course.

Participants must be four years old by June 15. The two-week session will begin Monday, June 15 and end on Friday, June 26. The fee is $30 per child if registered before June 8. The cost will be $40 if after June 8. Registration for Safety Town will be accepted at the New Martinsville City Building, but those interested should sign up early because space is limited.

River Sweep

The department also is preparing for the 2009 Ohio River Sweep which is set for Saturday, June 20. This will be the 20th year New Martinsville has been part of the River Sweep. This wonderful program concentrates along both sides of the Ohio river through many of the states bordering the Ohio. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt for volunteering their time picking up trash along the river banks. Those wishing to participate must sign a waiver of liability. This is a great opportunity to give back to our environment by cleaning up along the river. There will be a meeting place and collection site beside the Wetzel County Courthouse in New Martinsville. Garbage bags and T-shirts will be handed out beginning at 10 a.m. at the boat ramp near the courthouse.

River Sweep volunteers need to bring gloves, as the parks department will not be able to furnish gloves this year. The clean up will continue until 12 p.m. Volunteers may come for any length of time and there will be a dumpster on site for garbage collected.

For more information about how to participate in the clean up, contact Jodie Michael, Wetzel County Coordinator, at the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department, 455-9130.

Summer Day Camp

Wondering what to do with your kids during the day this July? Check out the department’s Summer Day Camp for children ages 4-10. The camp will be at Bruce Park during the weeks of July 6-20 and at the Lewis Wetzel Park the week of July 13 27. The cost per week of the camp per child is $30 and $25 for each additional week.

The camp will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Each child attending needs to bring a lunch except for Thursday, when there will be a cook-out picnic. Some of the activities to be scheduled include arts and crafts, games, swimming, bowling, and miniature golf. Applications can be picked up at City Hall in New Martinsville.

To find out more about any of the events or facilities available through New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department, call 455-9130.

Season Poll Passes Are Now Available

The New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Dept. has pool passes for sale for the summer pool season. Each pool pass must have a photo identification of the bearer on the pass.

Each family member and individual will need a pass with his or her photo on it. You can either bring in a photo or they will be taken on scheduled days, to be determined at a later date. Single Person Season Pass-$50; and Family Season Pass-$100. Passes can be purchased at the NM City Building between the hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call to make an appointment to have a picture taken and pass made.

Tickets Available

Discount tickets are available at the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Office for Kennywood Park, Idlewild Park, and Sandcastle. A local purchase will save $7-$10 off per ticket. The single day tickets are valid for use through September 2009. Only cash payments will be accepted. For additional information contact parks office at 304-455-9130.