Lions Club Proposes Walking Trail

The Toccoa Lions Club is looking to develop a walking trail in Stephens County.

Lions Club Member Michelle Jamieson spoke to Stephens County Commissioners about the proposed project at their meeting last week.

Jamieson said that in honor of the 100th anniversary for the International Lions Club, all local clubs are being asked to work on a project to help the community.

She said the Toccoa Lions Club came up with the idea of a walking and fitness trail.

According to Jamieson, the club’s idea is to put it on property on County Farm Road Extension behind the animal shelter and the old jail.

“It is a quarter-mile trail that is approximately 10 feet wide,” said Jamieson. “It has ins and outs. It has exercise stations. We have set up benches and garbage disposals.”

Jamieson said they are wanting to use two acres of land currently owned by Stephens County that is currently not in use.

Currently, the plans also include a fenced-in area where an animal could run loose.

She said this would allow the animal shelter to use this area as well.

“We are also wanting to partner with the Humane Shelter in order to be able to develop this to encourage volunteers to come out there and help with the shelter and to have an area for people to be able to interact with an animal they are hoping to adopt,” said Jamieson.

Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers said that such an area would be very helpful.

“Speaking as a citizen who has volunteered to walk the dogs before, the only little route we go is up to the convenience site and back down so I think will be so beneficial for those who volunteer to walk the dogs,” said Ayers.

According to Jamieson, the estimated cost of the project they have right now is $85,000 and grants are being sought.

She said a show of support from the county could prove beneficial.

“In order for us to pursue grants, we have to have the property,” said Jamieson.

Stephens County Commissioners unanimously voted to have staff being work on drawing up a 99-year lease for the property the Lions Club is looking at.