According to the most recent update of Crystal Mersh, Foundation President, the project is progressing nicely and the pool is literally taking shape before their eyes. Ten members of the crew construction the pool worked from daylight to the end of the day laying blocks in very hot, humid weather on Saturday, August 4.
Parkersburg News has contacted Mrs. Mersh, wanting to do a large story on the pool’s opening, wanting to get pictures of the youth who fought so hard to make the pool dream a reality. The pool is currently slated to open in mid September in hopes of getting a few swim days in before the weather turns colder. For the 2023 season attendance is free to everyone, another gift from the Foundation.
Mrs. Gayle Manchin, wife of Senator Joe Manchin, has informed The 82 Foundation that she’s heading to Calhoun on either August 21 or 24 to see the progress in person. She is one of many State leaders who have followed the project since it’s inception.
Another August event will be the gathering of those involved in the Bootstraps Projects. A meeting date will be announced soon to share the details of the Trust Grant.
Demo has begun on the interior of the school building as well as the back two story unit that will become the Varsity Chop House & Brewery. Demo will take about one month and then Jeremy Hardway’s team will be charged with framing in for the apartments on the 3rd floor.
Chester Bogg’s team is starting on the pump house; the deep hole at the end of the pool on the deep end is the beginning of that structure. Next week the remaining footers will be dug and foundations will begin. Time will be tight on this too so that the opening of the pool will happen on time.
Chester’s team is ready to move to the foundation of The Children’s Learning Center. This structure will be lots of concrete, steel and glass and will go up quickly. Crystal is working on the interior design and is in hopes that there will be auto painters who will paint some of the steel panels to makes some beautiful kitchens and hallways in that area.
September 2nd will be the 2nd Annual Alumni Game which will now be held in the Pit, which was the former practice field.
