WEIRTON — The Weirton Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners will resume outdoor shelter rentals at Marland Heights (MHP) and Starvaggi Memorial Park (SMP) beginning Monday, June 15.
The decision to resume shelter rentals comes on the heels of Gov. Jim Justice raising the acceptable number of people at outdoor events or activities to 100. Prior to Justice’s most recent announcement, the state’s guidelines called for no more than 25 people at outdoor events or activities.
“We’ve stated repeatedly that our main priority is public safety, so with that in mind we’ve been waiting for guidance that would make shelter rentals a real possibility and this is it,” Park Board Executive Director Coty Shingle said. “With the increase of people permitted at outdoor events it’s finally reasonable to give it a try.
“Shelter renters will still have to be aware of mitigation guidelines, including social distancing and their level of responsibility will be significant as hosts of events.”
Shingle said the Park Board would continue to provide on-site supervision at the parks to ensure mitigation guidelines were being followed and offer services important to rental events, but that shelter renters would be expected to help police those attending their events.
Shelter rental fees and availability varies, so those interested in renting a shelter at MHP or SMP should call the Park Board’s main offices at the Weirton Millsop Community Center at (304) 797-8520.
