Work underway to improve walking trails, disc golf course

Renovations to the walking/cross country trail and disc golf course are underway and should be completed in early September, the University announced this week.

Originally designed and built in 2010 by 1987 Campbell graduate Charles Robinson, the trails originally accommodate an 18-hole disc golf course and doubled as a walking trail for students, faculty, staff and members of the community. The renovation will keep the course - though at a smaller scale - while improving the trails and adding better signage throughout. Clean-up is ongoing, and some trees have been marked for removal.

"The goal is to revitalize the current course and cross country trail and create another place for exercise and well-being," said Rev. Dr. Faithe Beam, vice president for student life and Christian mission at Campbell. "The trail will have markers to track distance, and eventually there will be stations along the trail that will promote reflection and prayer."

Campbell University allocated $7,000 for the project back in April, part of President William M. Downs' Strategic Plan that includes "expanding and improving the physical and human infrastructure necessary to sustain enrollment growth" as one of its objectives.

According to Eric Baumann, director of Campus Recreation, the course will be safely usable when students return in August, but the new trail map and signage will not be complete until September.

The area - located behind Jim Perry Stadium and Irwin Belk Track - includes more than a mile of walking/running trails and more than a mile of disc golf trails, winding along several creeks and through towering pine trees.