Fairfax Supervisors Begin Establishing Volunteer Program to Clear County Trails and Sidewalks

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently directed the County Executive to develop guidelines that will allow community volunteers to assist the County in maintaining County trails and sidewalks.

Supervisor John C. Cook of the Braddock District brought the motion forward through a Board Matter.  Stated Cook, “This is what great citizenship is all about, and what I talk about on a regular basis with my community engagement initiative. Trails are not just for exercise, but are increasingly used for commuting to work, to shopping, and to schools, and under the economic times are difficult for the county to maintain consistently.”  

The motion passed unanimously. Cook wrote the board matter in response to the County’s Trails and Sidewalks Committee request “that volunteer support for cleaning and clearing sidewalk and asphalt trail surfaces be authorized to help maintain public walkways in an acceptable condition.”  

The board matter directs the County Executive to consult with the County Attorney to insure that any legal liability issues are addressed appropriately in the program guidelines, and that the guidelines be presented to the Board at a future date in this calendar year for further consideration.