Tuesday Opening of The Bridge after Monday Closure Result of Staff's 13-Hour Snow Removal Efforts
By Jeff Toquinto on January 09, 2025
Outside of holidays, The Bridge Sports Complex during the winter months is almost always open. However, winter storms and government-declared states of emergency can change that.
Such was the case this past Monday, Jan. 6, when The Bridge – essentially the Citynet Center there – was shut down for the day due to 
the snowstorm that dropped more than a foot of snow in some parts of North Central West Virginia.
the snowstorm that dropped more than a foot of snow in some parts of North Central West Virginia.
Although General Manager Droo Callahan would have preferred to have it open, he knew the decision was made with the proper interests and concerns for safety at the forefront.
“We were disappointed to close the whole day Monday, but it’s vital to understand that in the type of weather we had that anyone can be involved in an accident,” said Callahan. “At the same time, our business is heavily predicated on 16-year-old, and I don’t want to be in charge of a 16-year-old driving through that,” said Callahan. “One wreck in weather conditions like that is not worth staying open.”
Callahan said he has not been the recipient of negative comments on the closure.
“I have not heard any complaints, but because I’m not at the front desk I can’t tell you for sure if that’s the case,” he said. “None have
gotten to me.”
gotten to me.”
The facility, however, was open Tuesday and again Wednesday. By opening time, patrons may have noticed Forrester Boulevard leading to The Bridge was clear and the parking lots for the Citynet Center were clear on Tuesday and Wednesday as well.
It did not happen by accident. Instead, Bridgeport Public Works cleared Forrester Boulevard. And as for the parking lot at the Citynet Center, that was done in-house.
Ryan Snyder, Dave Yocco, and Patrick Walker joined Callahan. It was not a short day, as the parking facilities are fairly large and the foursome used the equipment, including new equipment, available.
When asked at Wednesday’s Bridge Advisory Committee meeting how long the group worked in clearing the lot, Callahan said it was “a 
solid 13 hours.” By Wednesday afternoon, following the meeting, crews were clearing the parking lots near the baseball facilities to allow for additional parking if needed.
solid 13 hours.” By Wednesday afternoon, following the meeting, crews were clearing the parking lots near the baseball facilities to allow for additional parking if needed.
“What made it a long endeavor was we removed about six inches of snow and then we had to go back and remove what came down after that,” said Callahan.
The discussion on the closure and snow removal were among several items talked about during the meeting. Callahan talked about past events at the facility that included Mountain State Volleyball, prep network football combine, FCA Soccer Tournament, opening of Jerry West season, soccer training, scuba lessons and sock hop, among others.
Callahan talked in a little more detail about the Dec. 13 sock hop. He showed those gathered a letter sent city residents Arthur and Eileen Frank that was very touching and asked the GM to thank the staff.
Fifty individuals took part in the dance.
“It was unbelievable in terms of what I believe is part of what (this facility) is supposed to be,” said Callahan. “… This is one of the proudest things are staff was involved with.”
BAC Chairman Jon Griffith was at the event. Although he did not hit the dance floor, he said it was an outstanding event drawing a more adult and senior crowd that those participating enjoyed.
“Between that, the Prime Timers, and Silver Sneakers (program), we’re hitting all age groups in the city, and I think that is very important,” said Griffith.
Joe Shuttleworth, another BAC member and Parks and Recreation Director, also applauded the event.
“Hats off to the staff for the idea and even thinking of the idea,” he said.
Callahan also discussed events that will be taking place over the next month. The events include a softball clinic, adult volleyball and basketball leagues, soccer training, a wrestling tournament, the Big 10 Swim Meet, high school regional swim meet, as well as a soccer and volleyball tournament, among others.
Editor's Note: Top photo and third photo show work continuing Wednesday to remove snow from around the Citynet Center and the baseball fields parking lot at The Bridge. In the second photo, General Manager Droo Callahan addresses the Board Advisory Committee, while the fourth photo shows BAC members, from left, Jon Griffith, Don Burton, and Clayton Rice. Bottom photo is of staff members at the Dec. 13 sock hop.
