Paul T Billups Memorial Park is the center of outdoor recreation in Ceredo, WV. The park features a paved walking trail, pickleball courts, basketball courts, a softball field, and the Jeremy A Shoemaker Amphitheater. It is also the proud home to the Ceredo War Veterans Memorial.
History
Ceredo’s park is named after former, long-time mayor Paul T Billups. During his administration, Billups initiated infrastructure improvements in Ceredo, including the paving of some roads and the construction of a water treatment plant. For many years the land that is now a park was owned by Billups and his family, they raised ponies and other animals on the property. The town acquired the property in the late 1970’s and it is now the home of the park, Ceredo-Kenova Middle School and Ceredo Manor.
The Ceredo War Veterans Memorial was established in 1986. The memorial is inscribed with the names of residents who have served in every war since WWI.
The Jeremy Shoemaker Amphitheater was added in 2000, dedicated to Jeremy Shoemaker, a middle schooler who died of leukemia in 1993. Jeremy’s mother, Cindy Shoemaker, was for many years the music teacher at CK Middle School and imparted her love of music to Jeremy. The Amphitheater hosts many events throughout the year, including the Ceredo Town Reunion.