Benwood Celebrating Park’s 50th Anniversary
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WHEELING -- A golden summer is planned for Benwood Park as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Events kick off May 27 with free swimming and the opening of the pool. There also will be free hot dogs, soda and chips for those in attendance.
There will be inflatables for children from noon to 4 p.m., the Sarah Hays Band will perform from 2-4 p.m., and the Vince Villanova Bank takes the stage from 6-8 p.m.
And the fun continues in the weeks to come with the following schedule of performers in the park.
– June 1: The Hooch from 6-8 p.m.
– June 7: Eli Lambie from 6-8 p.m., and Izzy's food truck will be present.
– June 14: Pool party from 7-9 p.m.
– June 16: Taylor Jo and the Copper Creek Band from 7-9 p.m.
– June 23: A band, inflatables and food trucks
– July 8: Faire May Band from 7-9 p.m.
– July 12: Pool Party
– July 28: Easy Street Band from 7-9 p.m.
– Aug. 4: Pocket Change
– Aug. 10: Pool Party
Mayor Walter Yates said new roofs have been placed on buildings at the park, and there is new fencing on the 4th Street side.
New picnic tables have been purchased, as has a third large umbrella to provide shade in the pool area.
All of this comes following major upgrades to the pool in 2020.
"It's going to be nice. Everything is almost new," Yates said.
Benwood leaders expect to have crowds this season at the pool, and not just because it is turning 50. People from other communities in recent year have been coming to the renovated park and pool, where there are high dives not found elsewhere.
In addition, the pool in nearby McMechen will not be open.
"People come here from all over the area, not just Benwood," said Andee Ferrera, who has managed the pool. "It's clean and affordable.
"We welcome everyone, and we want everyone to come help us celebrate."
People coming to the pool and park are encouraged to bring chairs as no blankets are permitted on the grass.