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Belmont-Ferry Farm path to get under way

By By JIM LAWRENCE For the Stafford County Sun
Published: May 28, 2008

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STAFFORD — Parks and recreation Director Chris Hoppe recently announced plans to implement phases three and five of the Belmont-Ferry Farms Trail, and bike and pedestrian trail that would eventually extend from Belmont all the way to Butler Road.

Hoppe did so at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on May 15 at the Rowser Center.

The cost of the project construction was estimated at $825,000, with about $585,000 in grant money that would be used.

The trail is part of a Falmouth revitalization effort, and implementation of phase three and five are subject to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors' final approval .

Hoppe also announced that the grand opening to Patawomeck Park had been delayed to June at the earliest and may not place until September.

Playground equipment for the park was not delivered and installation of that has been delayed. However, the park is ready for use, said Hoppe, and softball games scheduled there will begin on time.

Further discussion was given to the subject of obtaining further funding from the private sector for funds and equipment.

The point was made that any money donated for public works has to go into the general fund. Allocation of it would be determined ultimately by the board of supervisors.

And, the group honored Larry Checca, who has served on the Stafford County Parks and Recreation Commission since 1997.

During that time, Checca served as chairman of the commission several times and according to school board member John LeDoux, Aquia District, "has been instrumental in the successful parks and recreation bond issues."

Jim Lawrence is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. Reach him at info@staffordcountysun.com.