MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — There wasn’t much fanfare with the recent completion of renovations to Morgantown’s riverfront area because of the pandemic.
“Obviously not quite the opening and celebration that we were hoping for due to COVID,” Morgantown interim City Manager Emily Muzzarelli said. “But, we are hopefully planning a small ribbon cutting or opening, just waiting to see how the numbers go with COVID.”
The renovations have giving a new look to the Ruby Amphitheater, Riverfront Park and the Walnut Street Landing area.
“I am thrilled with the outcome of this project,” Muzzarelli said. “The renovations to the Depot and Ruby Amphitheater as well as the additional amenities at Walnut Street allow for expanded use of the park. This will become a destination spot for concerts and entertainment for city and county residents and allow for greater access to and enjoyment of the river by all. This has been a great project to be a part of.”
Over the past year crews from city-hired contractor March-Westin have expanded the amphitheater stage and seating, added a sunshade over the seating area, renovated the historic depot, upgraded restroom facilities, and added security features. The project also included a new parking area and kayak launch and storage area at the landing.
Morgantown’s recently hired director of Arts and Cultural Development, Vincent Kitch, will oversee the city’s arts and entertainment venues, a city announcement said.
“I look forward to working with the community in developing arts and cultural programs and services at the Riverfront Park,” Kitch said. “The renovations to the park are wonderful and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to start with the city during this time.”
Morgantown was awarded $4.1 million from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust in 2018 to pay for the work. The Trust provided an additional $200,000 in grant funding to provide additional lighting along the trail.
“Part of the grant was to have a police substation there so our police department is in the process of moving several of our police officers down there for our substation,” she said.
The kayak launch is ADA accessible and available lockers allow people to secure personal property and walk to downtown for lunch or shopping.
“If an individual is in a wheelchair they’re able to transfer onto a seat and lower themselves into a kayak and then go out,” Muzzarelli said. “And there are also storage lockers.”
Once the COVID restrictions can be lifted, the city will allow concerts and festivals in the Ruby Amphitheater. The facility can also be rented for weddings and private events.