Proctorville Center Park offers new recreation space for Ohio University, community

Representative Ryan Smith, Ohio House District 93, and Dr. Nicole Pennington, dean of Ohio University Southern, ceremonially cut the ribbon with all former Southern Campus deans and community dignitaries.

PROCTORVILLE, Ohio – On Saturday, Nov. 4, dignitaries and the campus community gathered at the Ohio University Proctorville Center for a ribbon cutting and dedication of the recently completed Proctorville Center Park, which is now available to the community. 

The approximately $425,000 project included the construction of two regulation-size soccer fields, a half-mile, paved walking path, a new 40-space parking lot, a stormwater retention pond with a water feature and other related site improvements. State and university funding in addition to generous donor contributions made the park a reality. 

Dean of Ohio University Southern Dr. Nicole Pennington said, “This project wouldn’t have been possible without the funding secured by Representative Ryan Smith and Senator Bob Peterson in addition to generous donations from alumni and friends of the Southern Campus. We are grateful for all of this support.”

Pennington added, “The Proctorville Center Park provides great opportunities to the community and the university. The walking trail and soccer fields provide a peaceful and safe area to exercise for our students and faculty, and they also benefit area residents.”

The event also included a naming dedication of the park’s walking trail in honor of Ernie and Clorinda Hall. Their son, Ernie Hall III, speaking on behalf of the family said, “We believe that education and the opportunities that the Proctorville Center provide for our community are vital. We are proud to have been a part of the park project, and we think that the park will benefit our area greatly.” 

Looking ahead, the park’s uses seem endless. Director of the Proctorville Center Stephanie Burcham said, “The university community is excited by the possible fitness-based courses that we can now offer in the future, and we hope that the park also serves as a focal point that further brings our community together.”