New amenities dedicated at Mingo Creek County Park

By KRISTIE LINDEN
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It was a bright, sunny day at Mingo Creek County Park Wednesday when the Washington County commissioners gathered to dedicate five new and improved areas of the park.
Shelter 10 has replaced an older shelter in a remote location of the park. The new shelter is much larger and has an open space for large groups and there is play equipment added for those who rent the shelter.
Near Shelter 10 is another new amenity, a disc golf course. It’s a nine-hole, par three course available for families who want to check it out.
Washington County Planning Director Lisa Cessna said the course is a loop, designed with families with kids in mind.
Frisbees of any kind can be used, but the park has discs that will be made available.
Commissioners’ Chairwoman Diana Irey Vaughan said what the county can provide residents in their parks are some of the only things they can actually go out and touch and enjoy in person.
“This is a priority for us,” Irey Vaughan said.
Irey Vaughan said the improvements are paid for and the park is well maintained because of non-surface leases with Range Resources in Mingo Park.
In 2014, a five-year lease, with extension options, was expected to pay $11.3 million at $6,500 per acre to allow Range Resources access to natural gas in 1,740 acres of Marcellus shale beneath the park in Nottingham. The county was to receive 18% royalties on gas production.
“We hope this is a structure we enjoy for many years to come,” Irey Vaughan said.
Scout camping area
Another area in the park that has been improved is the scout camping area, where the Isaac Sumney log house that was originally built on Sugar Run Road in Nottingham Township has been relocated.
The log house, originally built circa 1800, was donated by Philip and Kathy Long to Washington County History and Landmarks, which donated it to the county.
Eagle Scout Kelly McChesney of Scenery Hill tagged each log and recorded its position so when the house was taken down it could be rebuilt properly on the new site at Mingo Park. The tags remain on the logs so visitors can see how the work was done.
The Sumney House can be rented for use by small groups when it’s not in use by scouting groups who are camping in the newly constructed lean-tos nearby. There is also a restroom facility, a water fountain and electricity.
Vice Chairman Larry Maggi said the county is lucky to be able to offer what it does.
“We have three great crown jewels in our county parks here in Washington County, but I guess Mingo Park probably rises to the top in terms of getting the most use,” Maggi said. “We got a great staff here and we’re excited and we appreciate them because they did a lot of this work themselves.”
While at the Sumney House, Irey Vaughan, Maggi and Commissioner Nick Sherman took turns at an archery course that was set up nearby. It turned into a bit of a friendly competition between Sherman and Maggi, with both joking that if dinner were on the line, everyone would go hungry.
When Sherman finally pierced the yellow balloon at the heart of his target a loud whoop went up and everyone got ready to visit the next newly updated amenity at the park — The Henry House.
The Henry House
At the Henry House, a structure dating back to the early 1800s, visitors could see that recent renovations included a new roof, soffit and fascia, windows and doors, the main floor has been opened into one main room, LED lighting has been installed along with electric baseboard heating, and an exterior deck and fire pit.
Cessna said she was so glad to have members of the Sumney and Henry families on hand for the dedications Wednesday afternoon.
Ann Henry Ballein lived in the house from age 6 to 17, when she got married, but she lived in the addition that was torn down where the deck is now. She was surprised to see how modern it looks on the inside now, but said it’s nice that the house is still where it has stood for so long.
Playground upgrades and Timmy’s Grove
The final improvement was made to the Maintenance Hill play area where the old play area was completely demolished to make room for a playground that is accessible for children of all abilities.
There is ramp access, wheelchair accessible components, areas for children with autism to take a break and a fun theme to encourage creativity and interaction among children of all ages and abilities.
“We’re so excited to bring to the public a special needs playground with a special treat from our dear friend Chris Buckley and his son Timmy, who has been running for autism,” Irey Vaughan said. “He has received those trees and that’s going to be Timmy’s Grove.”
Buckley said the grouping of evergreen trees were presented to his running team Autism Runs when they completed the 150 mile Greater Allegheny Passage Trail Relay last fall. His team has in turn given the trees to the park. The trees sit to the side of the playground, surrounding a bench where kids and adults can take a quiet time out.
“It is my hope that Timmy’s Grove will provide comfort and peace for special families and the understanding that they belong, right here, right now,” Buckley said.
Cessna said the playground area is 100% accessible and it was a big passion project for her entire staff.
“My goal and my dream is to pop down here one day and see kids of all abilities playing on this playground,” Cessna said. “That’s really what I want to see. Let’s break down some barriers.”
Sherman, whose wife and children were on hand to enjoy the new playground as well, said he was excited to see everyone enjoy the new amenities.
“I think this is such an asset that we have here,” Sherman said. “To have a park that we can come to that is as beautiful as this, where we can mountain bike and fish. I don’t think people really realize how amazing this park is.”

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