On Dec. 24, 1924, community leaders answered W.E. Stone’s call by raising the money needed to save Wheeling Park from developers. The actions taken by that group kept the park a public treasure, and nearly 100 years later, Wheeling Park remains strong.

This past Saturday, some of the park’s most fervent supporters gathered at the White Palace to kick off a year-long celebration of Wheeling Park. The “Centennial Gala” transported guests through a century of history and set the stage for the park’s next 100 years.

The event showcased the region’s love of Wheeling Park as the city’s park. Funds raised from the gala will support the park’s continued beautification — including improvements to the Frank Rock Garden, the planting of 100 trees to commemorate the park’s centennial, parking lot paving and enhancements, new signage and wayfinding, and a new public art installation.

Other events are scheduled through 2025 to mark the milestone. So get out, enjoy nature and support the community’s park.