Our story

Many ask how Corridor H highway construction led to a Tucker County boulder park project, a bike trail and an endowed fund in support of EMS. 

Huge rocks unearthed by construction of a four lane highway entering in to the small mountain town of Davis, West Virginia, as well as similar projects in other states, seeded an idea that gained momentum after informal conversations with a variety of residents, visitors, and property owners.

In the summer of 2013, an opportunity presented itself when a potential site became available. The staff of Tucker Community Foundation introduced the project to representatives from county boards, organizations and other interested parties to determine the worthiness and viability of the project.

At the conclusion of three, well-attended community meetings, it was agreed the boulder project should be pursued. The Town of Davis stepped up, offering a parcel of land in the southeast corner of the Davis Ball Park.  Western Pocahontas Properties, owners of property connecting the boulder park with another trail system, agreed, contingent upon completion of the Boulder Park, to allow a new section of non-motorized trail connecting the Boulder Park, across Rt. 93 to the proposed Rails to Trails project. The WV Division of Highways approved signage for the new section of trail, and Heart of the Highlands agreed to support the trail construction through a donation of materials.  Tucker Community Foundation agreed to seek and administer grant support and facilitate an ongoing fundraising campaign. 

As a philanthropic organization, Tucker Community Foundation is using the community enhancement project to also build support for Tucker County Emergency Medical Services, an organization that is directly impacted by the arrival of Corridor H.  Donors to the project have the option to dedicate a portion of their contribution to establish an endowed fund supporting Tucker County EMS.  Dominion Foundation, the first donor to the Boulder Park project, designated a portion of their $25,000 donation to establish an endowed fund. The fund is invested for growth and income preserving the historical value of the donation.  The income generated provides an annual grant that supports TC EMS operations.  We appreciate donations that continue to grow the fund.  

The Tucker Boulder Park is designed to include three manufactured climbing boulders with interchangeable hand grips for route re-setting and a trail connector and kisosk. 

  • A $150,000 WV Department of Transportation Recreational Trail grant was secured to create the Tucker Boulder Park trail head, kiosk and connecting section of trail that will eventually connect to the Allegheny Highlands rail trail.  Trail construction was engineered by E.L. Robinson Engineering.

  • Grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund helped to fund the purchase and installation of the extra large (1300 sf) and small (400sf) climbing boulders. Private donations, and major funders (Dominion Foundation, St. George Medical Clinic, and Town of Davis) provided funding for the medium boulder that will be installed summer 2021.

  • Chapman Technical Group engineered the site renderings and park design.

  • The Town of Davis awarded contracts (December 2016) to Sunrise Construction Company, Inc., Moatsville, WV, to prepare the site, install the concrete pads and rim, and fill the rim with 26 tons of rubberized mulch.  

  • Entre-Prises USA, Inc., from Bend, Oregon was awarded the contract to construct and install the boulders.  

  • Tucker County Parks and Recreation grants have provided a total of $6,000 to purchase park benches and other amenities. 

  • The Oakland Foundation provided grant support for the 400sf beginner boulder. 

  • A generous community of donors has contributed more than $140,000. 

  • Under the direction of Chip and Adam Chase, Team Boulder Park raised significant support and awareness for the project through Run For It, a program of the Tucker Community Foundation.

  • In-kind donations have provided equipment and manpower for site development.

  • Donations help with the ongoing maintenance and upkeep. A portion of all donations is dedicated to the Tucker County EMS Fund managed by Tucker Community Foundation.  

Many individuals volunteer their time and expertise to help maintain the park. Efforts to keep the park clean and safe are appreciated by all. If you visit the park and find any of the handgrips loose, please report it to Davis Town Hall 304.259.5302 or email davistownhallwv@gmail.com.

Get your climb on - DONATE and be part of the Boulder Park project, a stand-out venue on the east coast.