DUNBAR, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A $5 million expansion project is planned for a growing sports complex in our area.
The Shawnee Sports Complex Welcome Center will be expanded by approximately 10,000 square feet, adding additional restrooms, a second floor to the building, and a new entrance.
“Quite frankly, if you add a 12,000-square-foot entrance building, it’s going to be very nice, it’s going to have a tunnel to go through, it’s just going to enhance the visitor experience, and that’s what we want. We want people to come here, we want them to enjoy it, and we want them to come back,” said Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango.
While the entrance building is being constructed, the administrative offices will operate from a trailer and the Shawnee Pavilion will double as a concession building.
This project is supported by funding including a congressionally administered spending grant from U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (DW.Va.) and additional funding from the State of West Virginia supported by Governor Jim Justice.
Manchin attended the groundbreaking and says this expansion project will add to the facility’s existing economic impact and enrich the experience for young athletes and parents who make the trek to Dunbar.
“You have to be able to accommodate them when they come and look at the facility. They have to play ball there and take care of their kids and all that. There also have to be facilities for them to meet, eat and stay overnight,” Manchin said.
Work has already begun and the project is scheduled to be completed between spring and summer next year.
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