2001:RECREATION TRAIL BECOMES REALITY - "A Real Asset To The Community"

(09/12/2001)

By Bob Weaver

"The new Calhoun Park recreation trail will be a real asset to the community," according to Duane Poling, Chairman of the 11 member Calhoun County Park Board. The three and one-half mile trail can be used for hiking, jogging or biking for young and old, he said. Poling said it could be used in winter for cross-country skiing or snow-boarding.

"It will open up the park for more use, which is what we want to happen," said Poling. The Calhoun Commission has applied for a grant to re-roof the multi-purpose recreation barn and a visionary idea of building an outdoor amphitheater is on the board.

The Appalachian Bike Classic is a major community event held at the park every year. "It is a great spectator event for older people, families and kids," said Poling. "We hope people in the community will come out and enjoy the weekend event."

Work is rapidly progressing on the $100,000 project and is expected to be completed before the Appalachian Bike Classic in June. The Calhoun Commission helped obtain the grant for the project, which includes a local "in-kind" contribution of $20,000.

The trail is carefully designed with special inclines and will be covered by a tightly-knit gravel which packs into the soil to make a smooth surface. "Actually you can get on the trail at several places, if you don't want to do the entire course," said Poling.