Commission tables Sam Brown trail improvement proposal so recreation committee can review

A proposal to repair and improve walking and multi-use trails at the Sam Brown property — and related volunteer work to make the area safer for hikers — drew robust discussion at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Board of Commissioners and was tabled for 30 days for further review by the county’s recreation committee.

Forrest (last name not provided), a representative of the Alleghany-Sparta Trail Association, described the volunteer plan to repair bridges and clear fallen trees after recent storm damage; he said some work exceeds volunteer capabilities and that the group will seek bids for professional tree removal to make the trails safe. He noted that a high-school hiking club has recently encountered unsafe trail sections and that several bridges are deteriorating.

Commissioners asked whether the trail work would conflict with long-term plans for sports fields and a possible county pool at Sam Brown. Some commissioners expressed concern about proceeding without the recreation committee’s input or a site visit. Recreation-committee members and others said the trail already exists and needs prompt repairs to avoid safety and liability risks.

Commissioner discussion emphasized two points: a desire to preserve future options for ball fields and other planned amenities, and a desire not to delay repairs that present a current safety hazard. One commissioner proposed tabling the item to allow the recreation committee to visit the site and report back; the board voted to table the proposal for 30 days and requested a scheduled recreation-committee review before the next action vote.