August 25th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

According to Cumberland Times News, Mineral County officials have scheduled four public meetings to explore placing a tax levy on the ballot to upgrade and construct recreational parks in the county.

The proposed 1% levy on resident property taxes was discussed at Tuesday’s meeting of the Mineral County Commission.

“Your voice can shape the future of Mineral County’s parks and recreation,” officials said in a notice about the meetings.

The plan would include acquiring land along state Route 46 near Fort Ashby or along Route 28 in the Wiley Ford/Short Gap area to construct a park that would include a walking track, pavilions, playground, bathrooms, dog park, splash pad and space for pickleball, basketball and sand volleyball.

In addition, similar improvements would be made to Larenim Park in the Burlington area, including land preparation to install the amenities.

County Administrator Luke McKenzie said a lot has been done in recent years to improve the county’s parks, but the commission does not have the money for significant upgrades.

“Recently in Mineral County Days meetings, there has been a lot of discussion about activities for the kids