By Stephen Henderson
Some subtle changes have been taking place at DeHart Park in Stuart.
According to Department of Parks and Recreation director Clyde Crissman, they started last fall when a plot of land was donated by Betty Clark to extend the walking trail around the park. Some tree clearing as well as gentle grading has increased the distance around the walking trail to .65 miles; the original trail encompassed one-half mile.
According to Crissman, the improvements are being made by the recreation department, some inmates from the local jail, local citizens and Stuart Park.
“The improvements at DeHart Park are never through,” Crissman said. “We are just going to keep on working on it and hopefully add another picnic area and get it paved like the rest of the trail.”. According to Crissman, he hopes it will be paved by next spring.
New landscaping around the trail addition as well as several informative plaques depicting wildlife, stream life and local fauna in the park was installed by Stuart Rotary Club members. The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) assisted the Rotary Club in the information gathered as well and building and installation of the plaques.
A pair of picnic tables and several park benches placed in the shade along the addition give park visitors a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy the surrounding of the park.
Along with the trail addition, new playground equipment and all other equipment was moved to one place so that all the kids can be together in a central location for fun and parental supervision. “We are also adding a mom and tot swing down near the new playground equipment. It just came in, so we are in the process of putting it together for installation,” Crissman said.
A Boy Scout project in association with the DRBA Club has installed a “dog relief station” near the beginning of the trail where those who walk their dogs may obtain plastic bags for retrieving dog waste and a waste receptacle where the bags may be safely deposited.
“Thanks to the Clark family for donating the land so we could do this,” Crissman said.
Additional picnic areas and landscaping around the college building are projects in the works to help the looks of Patrick County’s premiere park scene.
