Roger L. Trusler Memorial Park in Marlinton Dedication Ceremony
During a very pleasant Friday, July 31st morning, about fifty people gathered together in the small Marlinton park and playground formerly known as simply the “Mini-Park.” As Marlinton Mayor Sam Felton explains below, the occasion was to rename the park “The Roger L. Trusler Memorial Park.” Until Roger’s death in August of 2024, it was an inspiring and common sight to see Roger strolling and smiling through town accompanied by his beloved seeing-eye Golden Retriever Koda.
“It’s a decent turnout, we’re glad to see people interested in this dedication ceremony of Roger L. Trusler Memorial Park,” said Mayor Felton. “It’s refurbished and renamed in his honor. Imagine a place where laughter echoes through the trees; where families gather under open skys in this beautiful pavilion; a place where residents and visitors can stop for awhile and where a few moments can lead to a renewed sense of purpose. So, today this place becomes a reality. Roger’s legacy of service is what prompted this renewal, and the renaming of this facility, formerly just referred to as ‘the mini-park.’ Roger was our former (town) council person, whose life-long public service was unwavering. His countless contributions to the Town of Marlinton and, in fact, to the people of Pocahontas County, cannot be overstated. Roger believed that every challenge presented new opportunity. And may his kindness, leadership, and servant’s heart continue to inspire all who visit this park. We pray that through this park; we will celebrate Roger’s legacy and ensure that his commitment to improving our community will never be forgotten.”
Roger’s brother, A.G. Trusler also spoke at the ceremony. He talked about Roger attending WV
Wesleyan College and WVU, obtaining a Masters Degree in School Administration before moving to Marlinton to work as a School Counselor for the Pocahontas County Schools, and once here, how he fell in love with the town and the county. He talked about how Roger was proud of this community, and its attractions such as Snowshoe, Cass, Watoga State Park, the Observatory, and especially the Scenic Highway and Cranberry Glades. and how he turned that pride into a lifetime of promoting this area. He said that Roger had also enjoyed hunting and fishing here. When Roger ran for the Town council, he told his brother that he promised to “make Marlinton shine.” And that also would be his message today to the people of Marlinton. A.G said one of Roger’s many accomplishments that he was proud of was helping raise money to start the Wellness Center.
State Senators Robie Morris and Bill Hamilton also spoke, praising both Roger’s accomplishments and cherishing his friendship.
A number of other people also spoke up praising Roger and his love of, and accomplishments for Marlinton and Pocahontas County.
The park was spiffed up for this dedication, with new coats of paint being put on the playground equipment and cleaning up the new pavilion. There is also a new and attractive concrete walkway entrance to the park, across which H.G. Trusler and Mayor Felton cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the park. A metal plaque hanging in the pavilion was also unveiled. It honors Roger and his accomplished life here.
There will be some photos of this ceremony with this story on our website -alleghenymountainradio.org.
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