Winfield - Putnam County commissioners signed a contract Thursday to move forward with the first phase of the Valley Park improvement project.
The project will be completed by Wolf Creek Contracting Company, based in Waterford, Ohio, and will cost nearly $4.5 million. Commissioners accepted the bid earlier this month.
The project will allow construction of a new entrance sign and lane for the park, new playgrounds, a new convention center, baseball and soccer fields, and multiple other improvements to the Hurricane park.
Putnam County Parks Director Jarrod Dean said one of the benefits to the project is that it will bring tourism to the area, especially through tournaments. He cited Bridgeport Recreation Complex as one West Virginia park that's revitalized a community.
"That whole community had been built around that sporting park. We're hoping to energize our economic development here in Putnam County," Dean said.
Dean also reported updates on Valley Park wave pool's upgrades. He said there still is more construction work and electrical work to be completed. New concrete decking also is planned for the pool area to create a safer space for visitors.
The pool is scheduled to open by Memorial Day weekend.
Dean said without the support of the current commissioners, and former commissioner Joe Haynes, the project wouldn't be possible.
"I'm excited about this opportunity. It's actually going to move our state forward with having this type of development," Dean said. "We're going to have here in Putnam County one of the best premier parks in the state."