After heavy snow flakes, wood flakes were soon flying as park maintenance crews tackled clearing area trails and home owners cleared yards
Park Authority employee and crew chief Christian Croke clears a trail in Laurel Hill Park with assistance from volunteer Mike Applegate
Park Authority Maintenance Operations employees remain engaged in removing downed branches and trees well after the storm two weeks ago, spending hours covering miles of trails within the county. According to Park Authority division chief, Kurt Louis, crews begin trail maintenance after snow removal work, which prioritizes keeping facilities open and safe.
Resources then shift from regular operations, such as trash pick-up and playground and field maintenance to trail clearing. The forestry group assists with any larger, more hazardous tree damage situations.
Maintenance operations managers rely on community’s help in notifying them of downed trees, which can be reported at 703 324-8594
Judith Pedersen, Park Authority public information officer, adds, “We realize trails have played an important role during the pandemic and we continue to see increased usage on them. Our trails were never closed. … It is an ongoing challenge and of course, there is more snow in the forecast.”