McMechen plans Memorial Day activities amid upgrades to city

MCMECHEN, W.Va. — Upgrades have been made to several recreational areas in the city of McMechen.

This weekend, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the city will host several events.

Upgrades have been made to the park, the pool and to the riverfront. It's all been made possible by the smart spending from city officials and oil and gas benefits.

If you haven't been to the city of McMechen in a while, you may not know about the many improvements. Last summer, an event began in July: the inaugural West Virginia Lock 13 Riverfest. City leaders say they're working on that event again.

Meanwhile, some other upgrades are happening now around town.

"New lighting system, new basketball hoops, building another pavilion, after several requests we will now have two at the pool," said Mayor Gregg Wolfe.

Mayor Wolfe says they will extend the pool hours until 7 p.m. and have moonlight swimming events. He says they recently put in solar heating for the water and volunteers and city workers are getting everything ready for a big holiday weekend.

"People are just volunteering and they're like 'let's do this like the old days' and they pick up and they're willing to help," Wolfe said.

On Monday, a parade will be followed by a memorial at the cemetery and then a party at the pool. Admission is free and snacks and games will also be available.

"We got together and want to put pride back into McMechen and [it] seems to be working," Wolfe said.

The festivities get underway at 8:30 a.m. with a parade at Centre McMechen. The other events will be at the pool.