Coonskin Park Access Plan Has Neighbors Talking
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Updated: 11:50 PM Feb 28, 2010
Coonskin Park Access Plan Has Neighbors Talking
Petition started to keep the West Virginia National Guard from relocating the entrance to Coonskin Park.
Posted: 8:37 PM Feb 28, 2010
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: carrie.jones@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Lufawn Slider wanted to get attention when he placed an Ad in local newspapers, but he got more of a reaction than he thought.

"I was completely surprised that many people were against them closing the park entrance," Slider said.

Mr. Slider has lived along Coonskin Drive for more than 60 years. He's opposing the National Guard's efforts to close down the current entrance to Coonskin Park.

He started a petition against the plan, and has already collected more than 200 signatures.

Coonskin Drive runs right through the National Guard base and leads to the entrance of the park. Officials want to close down the park access and part of the road due to security issues.

Slider says he has nothing against the National Guard, but over the years he's watched the base acquire more and more land around him.

"They are here to protect us, I just don't want to lose my home. I don't want to lose the park," Slider said.

The West Virginia Division of Highways has proposed 10 new possible sites for the park's entrance.

David Ford lives across from Mr. Slider and has listened to what his neighbors have to say, but he's actually supporting the change.

"I can't see anything more important than to slow the traffic down and get some of the traffic off the road," Ford said.

The DOH is holding two public hearings on their proposal. The first is on Monday, March 1 at Capital High School. Then on Tuesday, March 2 one will be held at Elk Elementary Center. Both meetings are scheduled to run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Hillbilly on Mar 1, 2010 at 08:57 PM

If you cannot put a low budget entrance into this park please close this park to the public. The newspaper reported that the options were from about $10 million to $20 million I believe. This is a GOVERNMENT PROJECT so double those figures to $20 million to $40 million, FOR WHAT, A PARK THAT PROBABLY GENERATES A NEGATIVE $250,000 A YEAR. We have got to stop the FOOLISH WASTING OF TAX PAYER DOLLARS. PLEEEEEEEEASE.
Posted by: BC on Mar 1, 2010 at 07:11 PM

I think it is a great idea to build an entrance to Coonskin Park off of Interstate 79 at Mink Shoals. It is a much easier and faster access to the soccer field, the goal course, and swimming pool.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 1, 2010 at 04:32 PM

How is this all of a sudden a security risk?? How long have they shared the same road? As long as I can remember. Surely there are more pressing matters to be addressed.
$250,000,000
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