At the Sept. 20 Parks Commission meeting, Sharon Roberts lamented work recently done at a trail known as Hobo Holler at Black Bass Lake. Roberts questioned whether all user groups of the multi-use trail were allowed input, as the trail had been modified at a section of creek by an excavator. She said the natural area and plant material had been destroyed.
Executive Director Scott Miskiel said large rocks had been placed along the creek to give a solid walking path rather than the muddy trail that had been there before, and said the path was multi-use.
Commissioner Laurie Crammond questioned why the commission had not been informed about the changes being made at Black Bass Lake, and Miskiel explained that the work had fallen under general maintenance. He said that if every trail modification came to the commission there would be a never-ending list for them to handle.
Crammond asked how the department will handle runoff for the “strong” stream and Miskiel answered that native plants will be replanted in the area.
Chair Ruth Hager attempted to assuage concern as well, saying that such items are up to the expertise of the Trails Manager and Director, and that the area is muddy. Miskiel also iterated that bike and foot traffic would make a muddy area worse and the flat rocks placed there would, in the long run, be better. He said that they have to look to visitors who don’t expect to get their feet wet on the trails, as well.
Paving, purchasing, and masterful planning
Miskiel will be meeting with contractors to do roadwork at Lake Leatherwood City Park later in the week. Thirty thousand dollars is already budgeted for road repairs, and the work is to chip-and-seal the roadway to prevent freeze and thaw damage in the upcoming winter. Work on the Harmon Park gravel road to redirect waterflow will also continue soon. He also said that work on the Master Plan was being done.
Siding for a cabin at LLCP was received and needs to be painted, and Miskiel will also be bringing up the purchase of a vehicle at their next workshop.
When questioned by Commissioner Sue Hubbard, Miskiel explained that he and staff had begun putting survey information that would be important to the Master Planning process into Dropbox folders for the Master Planning committee into a “logical sequence.” This would be so that the committee could begin work chapter by chapter rather than having all the info dumped on them without being sorted.
Other Items
- With commissioners having done a site visit of Crescent Spring earlier in the month, the time came on whether or not to approve benches along the to be repaired wall. Two in-built benches were approved with a 4-1 vote with Hubbard being the only No. She said the benches were not the most historical option, were more expensive and presented a possible hazard with people sticking their feet out while sitting.
- A Search Committee looking for a new Executive Director will be made of Laurie Crammond, Sue Hubbard, and Mark Ingram.
- The Master Planning Committee intends to hold a public forum in the future to receive input on the Master Plan.