A portion of Panther Creek Park’s trails have reopened following renovations to 600 feet of elevated walkways.
The renovation took place between the Natural Lair Gazebo and the Picnic Shelter by the main parking lot. This was the third year for renovations on the trails; Director of Parks and Recreation Jordan Rowe said next year’s improvements will mark the completion of the project.
The newly renovated portion is the main connector to the Natural Lair Gazebo, which is most of the trails’ entry point. Rowe said he hopes this portion being finished will bring more guests to the parks.
“These trails have been here for more than 30 years and everything was still original to when it was installed. So this was a chance for us to update the walkway, the railing, the fencing, and make it safe, nice, and new again,” Rowe said.
Previous renovations were made to the Tall Timbers and Sycamore Hill; next year work will be done to Cool Springs, a 276-foot path.
The final piece of the project is to renovate the gazebo.
“We’re going to put a new roof on and repaint the gazebo and we’ll redeck everything, so again this is exciting,” Rowe said.
Rowe noted the elevated trail is effective, saying when the creek begins to fill from rain the pathway gives the effect of walking on water.
“I’m hopeful that this helps people who haven’t been out here in a long time to come back and visit us,” he said. “It’s a big day for the park system.”
