By Betsy Finklea
The City of Dillon is putting in an outdoor walking trail at the Dillon Wellness Center.
Some time back, the city had a landscape architect come in and do a rendering of the what the trail might look like.
The 1/2 mile length trail was designed to be interesting with ups and downs, curves, and the possibility of putting in foot bridges has been discussed. The trail is approximately six feet wide to be ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant.
While they would prefer asphalt as the walking surface that will not be possible at this time due to cost so crush and run is being considered. It is the first layer that goes down before asphalt so if they could afford to put down the asphalt later it could be done with no problem. The crush and run is less than $3,500 while asphalting the trail would cost approximately $50,000. The crush and run is ADA compliant and would be suitable for walking and biking, but not skating.
The trail, which is currently being worked on by the city, has been marked off, and many people have already begun using it, according to information reported at the Dillon City Council meeting on Monday night.
Fifty trees  have been ordered for the project at a cost of $8,000.
The total cost of the trail will be approximately $12,000.
The city is meeting with Progress Energy to determine the number of lights needed and the approximate costs.
The possibility of getting a grant to help fund this was discussed and while the city has been applying for grants, it was explained that these grants are very competitive.