Building is well lit with ample parking and accessible public restrooms. A newly constructed covered arena has opened at Camp Pioneer in Beverly, West Virginia. Over three years ago, Joseph G Dakan was dismayed watching 4Hers trudge through the mud in a dilapidated outdoor arena at Camp Pioneer. Meanwhile, Dr. Tracy Walker, a facility board member and local veterinarian, was simultaneously researc
hing options for restoration of the old outdoor arena. After meeting several times, the idea of an entirely new covered arena was born. A core committee was formed including Joe Dakan, Dr. Walker, Ronnie Helmondollar (Randolph county extension agent) and Don Gibson. The finished steel structure features a 120 x 250 foot covered area complete with adjacent livestock holding pens, loading areas suitable for both large and small trucks, premium sand and clay footing, solid treated wood fence walls topped with powder coated metal railing, superb energy efficient lighting and an outstanding sound system. Dakan. Additional funds were provided by the Randolph County Commission, business donations and private donations. The arena has resulted from countless hours of research, dedication, donations from the community and volunteer time from many people. All site work and the majority of the finish work was completed with donated equipment and professional time. The community support for this project has been overwhelming. The following people and businesses have all played an integral role in the completion of this project. Chris Polino (Polino Contracting), 84 Lumber, Tygart Valley Sanitation, General Rental, Dave Matthews, Don Gibson, Harry Armentrout, Priefert Equipment, Digital Soup, JF Allen, Masterpiece Rentals, Fairfax Materials, Swecker Engineering, Tygart Valley Conservation District, Seth Hornick, REB Electric, Herman Ketterman, Casey Jones, Byron Miller, Kenny Burgess, Greg Mallow, Mark Pritt, Philip Mullenax, Homer Goldsmith, Roy Bauer, Marshall Snyder, Donnie Pritt, Matt Thornhill, Chuck Thornhill, Roger Poling, Becky Harman, Jesse Harman, Katie Mallow, Bill Keller, TKS Construction, Tim Harris, Jack Butcher, Alan Collett, Kevin Ogden, Jeff Ogden, Elkins Mountain School, AmeriCorp, and countless others. At the request of Joseph G. Dakan, the arena has been dedicated to his parents Joseph D. Dakan and Margaret “Peg” Kelly Dakan. Joseph D. Dakan served as an extension agent and board member to Camp Pioneer. In addition, he was an avid horsemen, competitor with cutting horses, and supporter of the agricultural community. He eventually left extension work and became involved with the Kelly Foundry, a longstanding Elkins business founded by Peg’s family. Peg Dakan grew up in Elkins, graduating from both Elkins High School and Davis & Elkins College. She was an active member of 4H in her youth and later as a 4H leader and All Star. The inaugural event, the 1st Annual Dakan Family Cutting, was held July 11-13, 2014. The event was sanctioned by the National Cutting Horse Association and West Virginia Cutting Horse Association. Approximately seventy-five horses from at least six states competed in the event. The event was regarded as a huge success and many amazing compliments were received from both local and out-of-state visitors. The arena is part of the agricultural complex at Camp Pioneer that includes a conference center with meeting room, commercial kitchen and bathrooms, 60 x 100 foot barn suitable for expo stalls, 22 permanent stalls, 38 camper hook up sites, and large flat fields suitable for parking trailers and working horses. The arena is now open and available for rent for events, from horse shows to concerts. Many organizations are looking to hold events in 2015 from horse shows and rodeos, to conferences and weddings. We look forward to all of these events, the development of the equine industry and the opportunities that this arena will bring to Randolph county and Camp Pioneer. If you are interested in renting the facility please contact Camp Manager, Donnie Pritt at 304-636-3638.
