The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown completed a year-long mission to acquire and install one of the coveted ‘Almost Heaven West Virginia Swings’ for the Shepherdstown Rumsey Monument Park.
The iconic ‘swing’ is part of a statewide effort led by the West Virginia Department of Tourism to celebrate West Virginia’s 159th birthday and promote tourism throughout the state’s 55 counties. The intent is to locate swings at some of the state’s most scenic locations. Endorsements from select town and county officials were required for the application process and, if selected, the State shares the construction cost with applicant. The popularity of the Almost Heaven Swings has risen above any level anticipated, and the locations are drawing more and more tourists as they travel through the Mountain State.
The concept of constructing a West Virginia swing in Jefferson County was introduced to the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown by Karrington Childress, Miss West Virginia 2023 during her presentation to the general membership. Miss Childress mentioned that she had visited most of the Almost Heaven swings in our state and remarked that there were none located in the Eastern Panhandle. She suggested Shepherdstown as an ideal host community, identifying the overlook at Rumsey Park as a signature location.
Our club took up the challenge, coordinating with the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center and the West Virginia Department of Tourism, which provides the swing and selfie-sign components through its Cooperative Advertising Program. The Rotary Club committed to securing the materials, funding and labor needed for construction, while the Town provided site approval, and access to the park.
The Shepherdstown swing was approved and delivered on November 13 and, with assistance from our club’s vast resources, installed on that following Monday. A formal dedication ceremony, with attendance from local town and county dignitaries and community residents, was held at the Rumsey Monument park on Saturday November 29.
“The Town is grateful to the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown for initiating this project and partnering with us to make it happen,” said Mayor James Gatz. “Rumsey Monument Park is one of our most treasured public spaces, and adding an ‘Almost Heaven’ Swing enhances its appeal for residents, families, visitors and the many people who come to Shepherdstown for recreation and history. We’re proud to host it, we’re proud to own it and we’re pleased to share it with the community.”
