—
With representatives on hand from the offices of Congressman Nick Rahall and Governor Joe Manchin, the Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority celebrated what they expect to be the start of something big for Wolf Creek Park and Fayette County. Ribbon cuttings for two new business ventures, a tour of an existing business and programming delivered through the New River Birding and Nature Center kicked off a summer season planners say will be full of promise.
Addressing a crowd of more than 50 people gathered June 12 for the ribbon cutting welcoming the Robbins Company to Wolf Creek, Fayette County Resource Coordinator Dave Pollard discussed the work and planning leading to this point.
“Good things come to those who plan,” he said. “It is no mistake that the director of our Nature Center is a lifelong educator with impeccable credentials which include being named one of the 50 best brains in science by Discover Magazine.
“It is no mistake that our first start-up business (Bridge Brew Works) is one that services the tourism industry which has had a positive influence in our county for over 40 years.
“It is no mistake that our first residential developers (Ladevco) are people who have a reputation for putting together the most successful and highest quality housing developments in Fayette County.
“And certainly, it is no mistake that our first major business, the Robbins Company, is one with its very earliest roots tying it to our county. Robbins is a company we could not afford to lose, but without the Wolf Creek Park location and package, that is something which very well could have happened. I have no doubt that with Robbins as an anchor all of the things that we have worked so hard to plan and implement at Wolf Creek will become a reality.”
Echoing Pollard’s words, Robbins managing partner Dean Workman told those assembled that “we started here in Fayette County and it was our utmost desire to remain here. We found what we were looking for at Wolf Creek Park and now we can look forward and grow and expand our business.”
“This was a perfect fit for West Virginia,” said Steve Pilato, speaking on behalf of Governor Joe Manchin. “Robbins is the kind of company that expands our footprint and reputation throughout the world. The Governor was delighted to be able to put together a team from the state that enabled us to keep these very important jobs at home.”
Delivering words on behalf of Congressman Nick Rahall, Debrin Jenkins said, “My thoughts are very much with you on this special day as you enjoy everything this beautiful park has to offer. Here in West Virginia, we believe in preserving our natural beauty and promoting local businesses, while fostering job growth — Wolf Creek Park has mastered all of these ideas and uniquely combines the elements of business development, education and conservation. The motto ‘Live, Learn, Work and Play’ truly sums up this unique place. There is much success to be touted here at Wolf Creek.”
Robbins is slated to begin construction on its 16,000-square-foot facility on June 28. Ladveco will close on the first section of residential development July 2. Bridge Brew Works has been in operation since January and continues to add customers throughout southern West Virginia. The Nature Center, under Hilton’s direction, has constructed a wetlands boardwalk and has been providing monthly programs at the park and in schools since 2009. Their next event is slated for Saturday, July 10.
“Admittedly, it has been a long time since the first dollars for Wolf Creek Park came in under the Wise Administration, but we firmly believe that careful planning is a must when it comes to producing positive, sustainable results,” Pollard said.
“When you come over the bridge into Wolf Creek Park the bridge itself makes a statement. Every element of what we have done and what we intend to do will further the plans that have been so meticulously developed by all of our partners. The web between development, conservation, recreation and education will be something you experience every time you come into the park and something which stretches much farther than the 1,000-acre park boundary.
“It is meant to be, indeed is designed to be, a template of how we can move forward and sustain ourselves and our communities for many years to come,” he said.
“Cutting that ribbon for Robbins and our other elements ties together a package that can only grow and prosper,” he concluded.
