With overgrown grass and deteriorating buildings, the old Union Junior High School football field may not look like much now.

But, after a surprise gift from the school board, McMechen officials are considering that field a land of opportunity.

Mayor Mike Gracik said the Board of Education called a special meeting and announced it would give the field to the city for just $100.

Gracik said he and City Council members are excited about the new opportunities it will bring.

"We'll try to find out how we want to pursue with this (and) what we want to start on first, and we are looking at possible ways to utilize some of that property," Gracik said.

The school closed about 10 years ago. Since then, the building was sold off, but the athletic field was not. He said the field wasn't a hot commodity for business because it's in a flood zone, but he said it's perfect for recreational use.

"Ultimately, when it is all said and done, we would like to have another riverfront shelter for rent for the citizens of McMechen, a playground, couple baseball fields," said Gracik. "We're going to start trying to write grants on the property and going to get our committees together and do a little brainstorming to see what we can come up with."

With the deal sealed, officials said residents will have a new place to look forward to.

"I just can't thank (the Board of Education) enough for this gift. This is something that will benefit everyone in McMechen when it is all said and done," Gracik said.