Good news for families who pack the cooler and head for the hills: six West Virginia state parks are getting playground upgrades thanks to a statewide fundraising push that raised more than $110,000.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has awarded $105,000 in grants through its "Playground of Possibilities" campaign, which began in November 2025. The money is earmarked to replace aging and outdated playground equipment with safer, more modern, and more accessible play spaces.
Three foundations will each receive $25,000: the Coopers Rock State Forest Foundation, Friends of Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, and the Watoga State Park Foundation. Another three will each receive $10,000: the Canaan Valley Resort State Park Foundation, the Stonewall Resort State Park Foundation, and the Tomlinson Run State Park Foundation.
That list covers some of the Mountain State's most beloved outdoor destinations — places where Saturday road trips turn into lasting family memories. Fresh slides, sturdy climbing structures, and equipment designed with accessibility in mind mean more kids can join the fun without parents worrying about worn-out gear.
Brad Reed, Executive Director of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation, said the response to the campaign was tremendous. He noted that playgrounds help kids get outdoors while families make memories that stick long after the drive home.
The campaign showed how deeply West Virginians care about keeping state parks welcoming for the next generation. Community foundations, friends groups, and everyday supporters helped push fundraising past the $110,000 mark, giving the statewide foundation enough to move $105,000 into these six projects.
If your family has a favorite park on the list — Coopers Rock's rocky overlooks, Blennerhassett's island history, Watoga's quiet forest trails, Canaan Valley's high-country views, Stonewall's lakeside weekends, or Tomlinson Run's northern panhandle charm — these upgrades are aimed right at the play areas kids flock to first.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation continues to support playground improvements across the system. Families who want to learn more about the foundation's playground effort can visit lovewvstateparks.com.
Safer equipment. Fresh reasons for a day outdoors. And one more reminder that West Virginia's parks are built for everyone — from the toddlers on the first slide to the grandparents cheering from the picnic table.