Demolition of the former Sanford Elementary School occurred in 2022. The city of Moundsville plans to build a new recreation center on the site in 2026. (File Photo)

MOUNDSVILLE — The city of Moundsville is another step closer to making its plans for a new $4 million recreation center reality.

City Manager Rick Healy hopes the project will go to bid in March and be completed by the end of 2026.

“Approximately $400,000 is still needed for construction. Floor plans are almost completed, with full plans and specs hoped to be completed in January/February,” he said.

The city hired the Thrasher Group to be the architect and engineer for the project. The facility will offer 20,300 square feet of space and be constructed at the former Sanford Elementary School property on Third Street.

The center will include two basketball courts, an indoor track, batting cages, community room, party room, concession stand, showers, locker rooms, and a workout room with fitness equipment.

While the city is still working on securing the remainder of the funding needed for the center, some sources, to date, have included $1.5 million from the Marshall County Commission, $800,000 from the city’s recreation fund, $500,000 from the Vawter Foundation and $25,000 from WVU Medicine. Healy also said previously the city could borrow some funds, if necessary.

The Sanford Elementary School, later known as the Sanford Center, was razed in 2022.