Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : April 2, 2008

Tomlinson Run State Park Swimming Pool Temporarily Closing for Renovations

            (New Manchester, W.Va.) -- The swimming pool at Tomlinson Run State Park in Hancock County will not be open for the 2008 summer season, according to state park officials. However, area residents and guests of the park will be rewarded for their patience with a safe and renovated facility when this popular attraction reopens in 2009. 

            The 34-year-old pool, which is one of the most heavily used in the entire park system, has been in need of major renovation for several years, but funding has been a problem. Dave Lombardo, state parks district administrator, says that an estimated 20,000 gallons or more of public service district water is being wasted each day because of leaks and structural flaws.

            “Also of great concern is that the concrete coping, pool edges and sides, as well as the filtration system, have deteriorated to the point that the pool is now unsafe for use,” Lombardo explains. “We hoped that the pool could operate one more season before renovation, but a recent inspection revealed that deterioration has accelerated to the point where that is not possible.” Lombardo, a former superintendent at Tomlinson Run, joins current superintendent Jim Harvey in the opinion that the renovation will assure public safety for years to come, while also saving a great deal of  water.

            The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has obtained the services of an engineering firm to design the renovation and is prepared to fund repair costs when those are identified. Lombardo indicates that the amount of use and revenue generated at the facility will justify the investment. Construction should be completed no later than July 1, 2009, but park officials hope that favorable construction conditions might possibly allow a Memorial Weekend 2009 opening.

            Tomlinson Run is located in New Manchester and is, given its location near the tip of the northern panhandle, referred to as the “top park in the state.”  In addition to the swimming pool and water slide, park facilities include a lake, game courts, hiking trails, miniature golf, picnic shelters, 54 campsites and yurts (enclosed camping shelters). The park’s Web site will post updates regarding swimming pool improvements as well as the park’s activities, facilities and services.  For more information about Tomlinson Run, go online, www.tomlinsonrunsp.com or call (304) 564-3651 for campground reservations or additional information

**DNR**