Trash to trail

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 11:12 PM EDT

It has been said time after time that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Locally, a trash dump is now a treasure of a nature trail at Smalley’s Lake.

The John Conner Nature Preserve Trail — built over a a former dump — will be dedicated during a ceremony Friday at 10 a.m.

After months of talking and planning, the trail opened for walkers in September. Entrance to the trail and Smalley’s Lake is at the south end of Eastern Avenue.

The trail’s been made a reality through the efforts of the Connersville Parks and Street department and the HomeTown Competitiveness project of the Fayette County Foundation.

“It’s been a long-awaited project and I am very excited that we can officially open up the trail,” said Parks Superintendent Mike Bottomley. “This is a great addition to the Parks Department and just another step forward for the city in trying to improve quality of life issues.”

The trail takes walkers on a mile walk through wooded areas and along the Whitewater River. Lookout posts were designed for scenic views of the river. Rugged and primitive, it is not intended for runners, Bottomley said.

The ball started rolling for the trail after an HTC meeting in April 2009. Those attending were asked to identify top projects they would like see in Fayette County. One was a scenic walkway.

“It’s a great feeling to know that our community members pulled together and made their vision a reality,” said Fayette County HTC Coordinator Loree Crowe. “One year later and we’ve made great strides with much more work ahead of us.”

“It’s great to see a project completed by community involvement and our plans are to continue to improve the trail and the area,” said Mayor Leonard Urban.

Plans call for adding a picnic shelter and benches along the walkway.

“We just hope that everyone in the community will get involved as we continue to beautify the area around Smalley’s Lake,” Crowe said.

Fayette County is one of five counties chosen in 2009 by the lieutenant governor’s office to participate in the HTC program. HTC is meant to determine how to attract young people to strengthen the community; capture charitable wealth for local development programs; create a game plan to develop more local entrepreneurs; encourage local people to develop leadership skills and engage in community activities.