Governor Patrick Morrisey Visits Romney to Announce $975,000 Grant for Community Pool Project
Hampshire County Chamber of Commerce joins community leaders and residents in recognizing an important milestone for the Town of Romney.
ROMNEY, WV | October 9, 2026 — The Hampshire County Chamber of Commerce was pleased to attend a special announcement this afternoon as West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey visited the Hampshire County Courthouse to recognize a significant milestone for the Town of Romney and its long-awaited community pool project.
During the visit, Governor Morrisey announced that the Town of Romney has been awarded $975,000 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, providing a matching contribution to the $975,000 in local funding and commitments already secured. Together, these funds will support a proposed $1.95 million community pool and park project.
The announcement represents an important step forward in an effort that has involved years of planning, fundraising, collaboration, and dedication from local residents, businesses, volunteers, and government representatives.
A Community Effort Years in the Making
For more than half a century, Romney's former community pool provided a place for families, children, and residents to gather, learn to swim, and enjoy summer recreation. Following its closure in 2023, community members began working toward the shared goal of bringing a public pool back to Romney.
What began as a grassroots fundraising effort gradually grew into a larger community initiative.
According to the Town of Romney's official announcement, early fundraising efforts generated more than $110,000, including over $80,000 contributed through local residents, businesses, organizations, and volunteers, along with support from the Hampshire County Commission.
Additional contributions and commitments from private donors, the West Virginia First Foundation, The Bank of Romney, the Town of Romney, and other supporters helped move the project closer to its funding goals.
The newly announced grant marks another major milestone in that ongoing effort.
Looking Ahead to the Next Phase
The proposed project extends beyond the construction of a replacement swimming pool and pool house. According to the Town of Romney, preliminary plans also include additional recreational and community amenities, such as improved parking, a pavilion and picnic area, a playground, a basketball court, and walking trails.
These additional features remain subject to final design, competitive bidding, and available funding.
While important work remains before construction and completion, the funding announcement provides a clearer path toward the project's next phase.
The Chamber recognizes the time, dedication, and collaboration that have brought this initiative to its current stage. Projects of this scale involve many individuals and organizations working together, often over several years, to navigate challenges and pursue opportunities for their communities.
Celebrating a Community Milestone
Following the announcement at the Hampshire County Courthouse, community members gathered at Anderson's Corner for light refreshments and an opportunity to celebrate the news together.
The gathering offered a chance to recognize the efforts of those who have contributed to the project and reflect on the progress made since the community first began working toward a new pool.
As an organization dedicated to supporting Hampshire County's businesses, organizations, and residents, the Hampshire County Chamber of Commerce was grateful for the opportunity to attend and show its support for the community.
We appreciate Governor Morrisey's visit to Romney and the opportunity for local residents and community leaders to come together for this announcement.
Supporting Hampshire County's Future
The Chamber's mission includes encouraging community connections, sharing important local developments, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the continued growth and well-being of Hampshire County.
We are encouraged to see this long-standing community project continue moving forward and recognize the many individuals, businesses, organizations, and public officials whose contributions have helped make this milestone possible.
We also recognize that community projects naturally generate questions and discussion. We welcome thoughtful, respectful conversations and encourage residents to stay informed as additional details about the project's next phases become available.
For official project updates, funding details, construction timelines, or questions regarding the Romney Community Pool Project, please contact the Town of Romney or follow the Romney Pool Project Facebook page. The Chamber attended the announcement in support of our community and is not involved in the project's planning or administration.
We look forward to seeing continued progress and celebrating future milestones alongside our neighbors.
Congratulations to the Town of Romney and everyone who has contributed to bringing this project one step closer to reality!
Photography Credit: All photographs featured in this article were taken by Jenna Gelow Designs. For permission to use or reproduce any images, please contact info@jennagelow.com.
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