Coonskin Park is an 850 acre park that is part of the Kanawha County Park System. The park offers many different recreational experiences, including picnicking, paddle boats, an exercise trail, golfing, tennis courts, swimming pool, and acres of flora.

Master Gardeners have been involved in a number of activities at the park since the Spring of 1994 when our program began.  The park allowed Master Gardeners to use their clubhouse a meeting place for classes.  The first two Master Gardener (MG) programs were held in the park's family resource center.  During these sessions the park was used as an "outdoor" classroom where members practiced pruning and planted a temporary demonstration garden.

Master Gardeners, in conjunction with Friends of Kanawha County Parks (Friends) helped install an entrance garden at the park.  Two local landscape designers, Joni Torres and Lynn Schwartz-Barker, donated their time for the design work.  MG members also installed the original planting, including perennials, trees and shrubs, which were selected to give year-round color and interest.

Master Gardeners contributed volunteer hours during the installation of the entrance planting and have continued to assist Friends in its maintenance.  In addition, Master Gardeners and Friends have worked with local high school and Job Corps students who worked in the garden and other parts of the park as part of their educational process.  A partnership with a local business has also provided volunteers.

Master Gardeners have repaired a stone outline of the State of West Virginia.  The structural work was completed and the inside of the outline was planted with perennials in 1996.  This is now maintained by MG volunteers.

In the future we expect to become involved with the Friends in the creation of an arboretum located within the park.  The Kanawha County Park Commission has designated an area for development in its master plan.  This master plan has been officially approved and work will begin when funding can be secured.

In the past two years, Kanawha County Master Gardeners and Friends have conducted a plant sale in May at the Children's Festival of Friends, an annual park event.  This is one of the many educational, environmental, art, cultural and sports activities provided for children and adults during this event.

Work will continue at the park to create a woodland garden featuring understory trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials with an emphasis on native plant material.  Members should call Mima (304-344-7445). to find out when she is having work opportunities at the Entrance Garden.

      Contact person:

Mima Chapman

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Coonskin Park Projects