Chapel pond trail Published June 8, 2006 By Capt Brandon Pruitt 20th Civil Engineer Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Chapel Pond Trail is in its final stage of completion. The vision is to create a nature, walking and running trail on the west side of Shaw. The location of the trail is ideal because of its proximity to the dormitories and accessibility to the base populace. Planning started in late 2004 and work began in February 2005. Due to the extensive work involved, numerous avenues were developed and executed to bring this trail to fruition. First, personnel from the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron cut the entire trail around the pond and tree-lines. They also improved and extended drainage ditches, dredged the pond, rebuilt bridges, installed numerous landscape features and installed solar lighting around the entire trail. Second, a contractor was hired to repair the broken riser pipe in the pond, which was causing serious drainage problems at the emergency spillway and on the outer banks of the pond. The riser pipe was repaired and a new aerator (water fountain) was installed to eliminate the build up of algae in the water. Third, another contractor was brought in to eliminate some rotted and dead trees, cut and clear brush and clear a new path through the woods near dormitory buildings 905 and 906. Finally, another contractor was hired to pave the main path of the trail, excluding the path between buildings 906 and 900. Paving the main trail was necessary to eliminate erosion problems from natural drainage and inclement weather, as well as reduce maintenance man-hours and costs. The entire trail is approximately 1.2 miles, encompassing 11 acres. However, there are five secondary trails that make up the entire trail, each with its own distinct style and elevation changes. These secondary trails can be taken by themselves or they can be utilized in different combinations. “It’s a nice change in pace from running on a treadmill or the running track,” said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Young, 20th Fighter Wing. “The water fountain is relaxing and the hills can make my run a lot more challenging.” The trail is already being used for walking and running and can be seen and used by children and adults alike.