Opened in September 2019, Wooton Park was developed on a closed section of the Raleigh County Landfill. The park is open from dawn to dusk daily, weather permitting, for community use and currently offers Bailes Trails; a graveled walking track, Gillian’s Playground; a children’s playground and Lucas Fields; a large grassy field area that includes four practice fields available for scheduled practices for youth sports. The fields are currently utilized by football, softball, soccer and baseball groups, homeschool groups and are part of the educational tours offered at our facility.
The Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority’s Wooton Park is proudly named after our Board of Directors Chairman, Attorney John D. Wooton. Appointed to the RCSWA Board by the Southern Conservation District of West Virginia, Chairman Wooton has served as a volunteer on the RCSWA Board of Directors since its formation in 1989. Since his appointment in 1989, Chairman Wooton has led the RCSWA into the future of solid waste management, in instituting numerous projects and programs recognized throughout the state and by overcoming obstacles that have negatively affected other landfills in our state. Chairman Wooton continues to look to the future for Raleigh and surrounding counties in continuing the RCSWA goal of Protecting Tomorrow, Today!
Bailes Trails is named after our longtime Vice Chairman, Dr. John (Jack) C. Bailes. Dr. Bailes graciously served on the RCSWA Board of Directors from the creation of RCSWA in 1989 until his untimely death in September 2018. Dr. Bailes will always be remembered for his dedicated volunteer service to Raleigh County and the surrounding area.
Lucas Fields are named after board member Leon Lucas. Mr. Lucas served on the RCSWA Board of Directors from June 1994 until his untimely death in March 2006. Leon was the owner of a reputable contracting and heavy equipment sales company and provided valuable insight and knowledge to the RCSWA. Leon Lucas’ guidance is missed and he will always be remembered by the RCSWA.
Gillian’s Playground is named after RCSWA’s long-time engineering consultant Charles B. Gillian. “Charlie” played an integral part in most of the developmental growth projects RCSWA implemented over the past 25 years and was RCSWA’s biggest cheerleader, always promoting and pushing RCSWA forward. It was Charlie who donated the first section of the playground equipment for Wooton Park but sadly passed away shortly after in August 2021. Charlie was more than just a colleague to the RCSWA Staff & Board, he was family. Charlie never wanted to be a standout or to be recognized for his generosity to others, but he will forever be cherished for those special qualities. Gillian’s Playground was opened and dedicated to Charlie in September 2023 with his family in attendance.