Fairmont unveils five‑year strategic plan; $3 million in parks upgrades and downtown changes planned

Mayor Dr. Ann Balliard and City Manager Travis Blosser used the inaugural State of the City to outline Fairmont’s five‑year strategic plan and several near‑term projects intended to reshape neighborhoods and downtown.

"There are 6 focus areas of the strategic plan," Balliard said, citing economic revitalization, efficient city services, workforce development, community safety, facilities and partnerships. The plan’s mission statement, she said, aims for Fairmont to be "known as a modern inclusive city that respects and values its heritage" by 2030.

Blosser said the city invested more than $3,000,000 in park facilities last year and highlighted near‑completion of Norwood Park, substantial upgrades to Windmill Park and a complete makeover for the Morgantown Avenue mini park. He said the city intends to bring Bellevue Park and 5th Street Park up to similar standards and to build new public spaces.

The administration previewed planned projects to extend the West Fork Rail Trail into the Beltline neighborhood to create a recreational corridor and described proposed downtown changes to be proposed by the end of 2025: adjusted downtown parking, outdoor dining options, streamlined business licensing and a designated private outdoor area called the Friendly City Spirits District.

Blosser credited recent public‑private partnerships — including a $25,000 Rotary Club donation to the mini park — and said the city’s tax increment financing district is funding much of the downtown progress. He said the city will travel with Fairmont State University staff to study Harrisonburg, Virginia models of university–city collaboration as part of the implementation strategy.

Next steps: copies of the strategic plan are being distributed, and officials said they will pursue a mix of public and private partnerships and grant funding to implement the projects.