By Steve Keenan, The Register-Herald
OAK HILL — “Plan Your Adventure,” reads a message on a kiosk at the new Needleseye Park trailhead in Oak Hill.
And, speaking Tuesday at the grand opening/ribbon cutting of Needleseye Park, former United States Sen. Joe Manchin labeled Fayette County a prime location to launch an adventure.
The City of Oak Hill, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, New River Alliance of Climbers, Fayette Trail Coalition and the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative welcomed visitors to Tuesday’s event for the 281-acre park in Oak Hill, which combines 7.5 miles of multi-use hiking and mountain biking trails, numerous rock climbing opportunities, a disc golf course and the beauty of nature into an enticing destination.
“First of all, let me say thank you to all of you that made this happen, because without you pushing it, it wouldn’t have happened at all,” said Manchin. “We knew about the bikers and climbers, but disc golf in the park. Who would have thought?”
“I say to all of you in Oak Hill and Fayette County, what a gem we have here,” Manchin said. “You all are basically the face of our state. You’re showing them what West Virginia has to offer, the hospitality, just the way we embrace people when they come in. To be able to come here and bring your family and to do a little bit of everything, what is it going to do for the town? and the tourists will come in.