Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. -- On Oct. 30, Col. David Maxwell, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Quantico, hosted a “Brown Bag” meeting with base residents at the Religious and Family Annex across from Lejeune Hall to discuss their opinions on the new changes slated for the mainside trails.
“This meeting was held to .nd out what could be done to make the trails more attractive, as well as how to promote the use and maintenance of the trails,” said Maxwell. “I wanted to find out everyone’s opinions before signing off on any new policy changes.” The trails are used for group runs by Marines, volunteer opportunities for the Single Marine Program, cross country practices for the Quantico Middle/High School and coordinated events by the Marine Corps Marathon.
“The trails are amazing and a runner’s dream,” said Mark Unger, retired major and a Lincoln Military Hous ing Masters Hill resident. “Not only is it a great place to get a good workout, but it is a great place to spend time with your kids.” Although the trails are used frequently and require regular maintenance, there is no formal maintenance program. All maintenance on the trails is conducted by volunteers.
“The Single Marine Program does a great deal of volunteer work on the trails, but it is up to everyone to take care of the mainside trails,” said Sgt. Maj. Laura L. Brown, sergeant major, Marine Corps Base Quantico.
“I was hoping to use the information I got from this meeting to .nd more volunteers to help maintain the trails,” said Tim Stamps, section head, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
Armed with newfound knowledge, the base personnel began coming up with new ways to promote and maintain the Quantico trails. Ideas included implementing better maps, signs and advertising more volunteer opportunities to the base for maintenance.
“The meeting was a complete success because we were able to .gure out how to better promote the trails as well as how to solve the existing problems,” said Maxwell.
A second “Brown Bag” meeting is tentatively scheduled for December.
Editors Note:
Do you use the trails throughout Marine Corps Base Quantico?
If so, we want to hear from you. The order governing trail usage aboard the base is currently under revision, and the MCB Quantico commanding officer wants feedback from those who utilize the trails for running, hiking, cycling and other activities.
Please take a few minutes to complete the short survey online
It will only take a few minutes, and the results will be discussed at a future meeting about trail use tentatively scheduled in early 2014. The survey's last question contains information on how to submit additional suggestions, questions or concerns if they were not addressed. With your input, we can ensure the trails are user friendly and benefit the entire MCB Quantico community.