Submitted photo The Randolph County Commission recently held a dedication ceremony for West Virginia’s newest Almost Heaven Swing at 4-H Camp Pioneer. Taking part in the ceremony was, from left, Randolph County Administrative Assistant Melinda Lott, Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB Executive Director Anne Beardslee and Randolph County Commission President David Kesling.

BEVERLY — The Randolph County Commission recently held a dedication ceremony for West Virginia’s newest Almost Heaven Swing, that was placed at 4-H Camp Pioneer.

The handmade, oversized wooden swing was purchased by the Commission and placed in front of the pond at Camp Pioneer. The swings, which are scattered across the Mountain State, are inserted at locations that have a scenic backdrop, which allows residents and visitors to take picturesque photos with family and friends.

“We invited our county employees and the public up for the dedication ceremony,” Randolph County Commission President David Kesling told The Inter-Mountain. “We wanted to recognize all of the people who helped make the swing at Camp Pioneer happen.”

Kesling said that Randolph County Commission Administrative Assistant Melinda Lott was the driving force in getting the swing to Randolph County.

“Melinda is the one who spearheaded the swing project,” said Kesling. “She is the one who wanted it done, so I told her to go ahead and get the information and let me know what I needed to do. She worked with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and got it all taken care of.”

The Randolph County Commission was responsible for half of the cost of the swing, which was $1,750. The Commission installed the swing and will maintain it moving forward.

County employees Turk Ramsey, Kyle Fox, and Allan Higgins led the installation and were assisted by Dawn Swecker, James Dean, and Mark Arbogast from 4-H Camp Pioneer.

“You have to own the property in order to get the swing,” Kesling said. “That was one of the requirements and since the county owns the 4-H Camp we decided to put it there. Plus the background with the mountains behind the pond made it the perfect place.”

Kesling said he expects the swing to get plenty of use, especially this weekend when the West Virginia Wild and Wonderful Celtic Festival and Highland Games returns to Camp Pioneer. Over 2,700 people attended last year’s event.

“We have already had a lot of people come up and see the swing,” Kesling said. “There are many people who just travel around the state to see these swings and get a photo. I expect it to get a lot of use this weekend during the Celtic Festival.”

There are currently 36 swings in West Virginia with closest to Randolph County being at Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Snowshoe Mountain, Stonewall Resort, Tygart Lake State Park and the Philippi Covered Bridge.