Mike Crites remembers well the day he first felt inspired to try and organize a walking trail for seniors.
Under a perfect day for a little hike, and under bright mid-October skies allowing the sun to push through enough heat to keep all comfortable, over 60 people gathered. They came to celebrate the work of obtaining a community improvement grant from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
Crites, Executive Director of Hardy County Committee on Aging, recalled the day he went to Brighton Park. He shared that “I saw a senior lady on the trail with a walker” and that “you could tell that the scale of the trail was just too much for her.”
At that point, Crites started considering alternatives to trails at Moorefield Town Park, Brighton Park, and a number of federal and state forests and parks in the area. Less ambitious in length and scope and also offering a number of places to sit and rest.
In essence, a walking trail for those with limited mobility or anyone just wanting a little walk as opposed to a significant workout.
Crites shared that he had trouble on the deadline date for the application submission, that he called AARP tech support and crossed his fingers that the materials made it successfully.
As it turns out, they did and AARP was impressed enough with the need that they supported the project. In appreciation, all HCCOA employees came decked out in AARP T-shirts for the occasion.
The completed trail extends in a loop around the rear of the facility. Several park benches and birdhouses offer both respite and enjoyment for those using the trail, which Crites continually emphasized “is for everyone.” Alt’s Construction was contracted to do work to create the trail, assemble benches, and erect poles for the birdhouses.
“Wanda Gerrard and Jim Trommatter provided a birdhouse that was built by Earl Weese and pavers for the walkway,” shared Crites, who added that “a Mr. Heishman from Wardensville provided some of the birdhouses which were painted by some of the seniors”
Crites thanked Travis Alt from Alt’s Construction for their work on the project. He then pointed to a wooden gazebo standing in the middle of the grounds and said “Travis offered to haul that off over and over,” but Crites saw a potential purpose for it.
The gazebo did not come from a kit. Someone laid concrete and stone, then assembled the gazebo from small tree trunks resting on the foundation, pole barn style. Cut wooden shingles formed the roof.
Someone at some point put a lot of care and love into putting that gazebo together. Crites shared that he hopes to hear from anyone in the community that might have information on who built it, or any information connected to it.
Benches will hold plaques that will honor individual memories and organizations, including Edgel Liller, Jesse Sr. and Flora “Toots” Hose, Betty Alt, Moorefield Chapter #102 Order of the Eastern Star, Charles Richard “Dick” Vetter, Hobart Bergdoll, Raymond, Lovette, and Mary Hines, and Orval and Julia Riggleman.
