We’d like to create a “walking trail”

Started by BrettH3 • 3 replies • 986 views

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BrettH3 (South Carolina)
Posts: 47

Posted:

Our HOA has 34 wooded acres behind the swimming pool, which is our only amenity. At the annual Homeowners meeting with the board last night several people asked us to “ add additional amenities “ and two specifically asked for “nature” or “walking” trails. Nobody wants a dog park or a community garden, and we have no room for tennis courts or a playground unless we dig up most of the pool parking lot. But a walking path would really add to the neighborhood! It would be cost prohibitive to hire it out so I’m reaching out to Eagle Scout candidates to see if anyone needs a large project. What are the liabilities if we have a path in a wooded area? It would NOT be paved...but we could really create something great.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

May want to consult the National Park Services. They may have some advice on how to create and handle walking trails. We have a few of them nearby that are just small park/walking trails. Which they are handled like they are part of the City/County parks/recreation department or part of a conservation group. They are open to the public but secluded in the neighborhoods. The good news is the land is preserved to be a walking trail. There is no building on the property. The one by my house is on a "mountain" and is a 2 mile loop. You can enter it from 2 different neighborhoods. There are others to that are all "members" of the preservation group throughout the city/county.

It may be something to consider to be part of a land preservation group. Although many may balk at the idea of being "public", it's got many benefits. Which may help maintain and keep this land from ever being developed.

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BrettH3 on 09/07/2018 4:01 PM
What are the liabilities if we have a path in a wooded area?

same liability for you have now.

The Association must maintain the trail and minimize/remove hazards (over hanging limbs, etc.).

You also need to be sure you are not placing the trail where it will trespass on land not owned by the Association.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BrettH3 on 09/07/2018 4:01 PM
Our HOA has 34 wooded acres behind the swimming pool, which is our only amenity. At the annual Homeowners meeting with the board last night several people asked us to “ add additional amenities “ and two specifically asked for “nature” or “walking” trails. Nobody wants a dog park or a community garden, and we have no room for tennis courts or a playground unless we dig up most of the pool parking lot. But a walking path would really add to the neighborhood! It would be cost prohibitive to hire it out so I’m reaching out to Eagle Scout candidates to see if anyone needs a large project. What are the liabilities if we have a path in a wooded area? It would NOT be paved...but we could really create something great.

This is a great idea, Brett! In fact, I bet you already have the land insured under the HOA's umbrella policy. The Eagle Scout option is a good idea and something like this would be a good community project if the HOA bought the tools. You're carving a path, not chopping large trees.

Once again. a 34 acre path would be awesome! Go slow and get it done by next Spring!

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