This conceptual drawing shows the vision for Robrecht Riverfront Park at the mouth of Wheeling Creek along the Ohio River in downtown Wheeling. Officials announced the city has received a $1.7 million state grant toward development of the park. (Image Provided)

WHEELING — The planned Robrecht Riverfront Park is getting some help from the state of West Virginia in making pedestrian improvements around the park’s property.

Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday that the City of Wheeling is getting a $1.7 million grant for Robrecht Riverfront Park. Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron said the funds will go toward building pedestrian and bicycle walkways and trails in the park area of Wheeling Creek and the Ohio River.

Robrecht Riverfront Park is being designed to occupy a city-owned lot along the banks of the Ohio River just south of the mouth of Wheeling Creek. It is the site of the former Robrecht Grocery store property, and is adjacent to Main Street Bank, Celeron Plaza and commercial areas near Center Wheeling that have been revitalized in recent years.

The plan for the green space at the proposed park would include a ramp with river access via a kayak and canoe launch, a new parking lot, walking paths with bridges above the creek and other features.

Herron said the grant once again shows Justice’s commitment to the people of West Virginia, and Wheeling, especially.

“From the Roads to Prosperity to the Downtown Streetscape Project to the Heritage Gateway Project, important demolition funds for dilapidated houses to critical bridge projects, traffic signalization upgrades to ADA sidewalk improvements as well as several others, the Justice Administration has truly been engaged in our city’s economic and community wellbeing,” Herron said. “This grant will go on top of a planning grant, again awarded by the Governor to develop this large, vacant and environmentally challenged site into a marquee downtown park that will not only greatly enhance the downtown but will also provide recreational access to the Ohio River and Wheeling Creek.”

In addition to the Robrecht Park grant, a bike lane connector grant of $40,000 has been awarded to the Ohio Valley Trail Partners, which will help enhance the Wheeling Heritage Trail System.