Walking Trail at Senior Center has a refreshing new look

Pat Nanney on the bridge that honors the memory of his wife Lucille.

Rutherford County leaders, senior citizens and other friends attended the grand re-opening of the Rutherford County Walking Trail on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the Rutherford County Senior Center located off Callahan-Koone Road in Spindale. The project was made possible by a grant from RHI Legacy Foundation.

Among special guests was Pat Nanney, who along with his family, donated funds to pay for one of the bridges on the trail in memory of Pat's wife, Lucille Nanney who died in December 2019.

"I was excited to learn that the RHI Legacy Foundation had granted the senior center funds to repave the trail and the two bridges on the trail were in need of refurbishing or replacing but those projects were not included in the grant," Nanney said at the grand opening.

After discussing the idea with his son David and family, the idea received final approval by Rutherford County.

"This became more appropriate to me as our son David remembered that when Lucille was director of Hospice, that organization used the popular song "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" in the soundtrack of a slide show," Nanney told the group.

"Whether at Hospice, the WIC Program or Florence Baptist Church as examples, Lucille's work could be seen as a bridge linking those with a need to the assistance that was available to meet that need. We hope that many more people will now discover the Rutherford County Walking Trail and the improvements will be an asset to the health and fitness of county residents for many years to come," he said.

Nanney and Pat became strong supporters at the Senior Center after being asked to assist with some special programs years ago.

"Lucille and I became regulars at the center and I especially liked using the exercise equipment. I had not paid much attention to the walking trail, but after being encouraged by senior center director Tammy Aldridge, I began walking on the trail. Not only did it provide exercise, it also gave me the opportunity to photograph birds, bugs, butterflies, deer, groundhogs and an ever changing variety of blooms and flowers."

Among other special guests at the grand re-opening were Rutherford County Manager Steve Garrison, Clark Poole, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Chamber Of Commerce, Senior Center Director Tammy Aldridge and Jerry Stensland representing Rutherford County Tourism.

Director Aldridge also thanked Rutherford County employees Aubrey Clay, Danny Searcy, and the Maintenance Department staff for their help and work on the project.

"Thank you to Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardners that helped to beautify the trail with pretty plants and flowers. Also thank you to the Senior Center Staff that helped with the project, the pretty curb appeal at the entrance, and all the help with today's event," Aldridge told the group.

Thank yous also were extended to Johnnie Atkins who served as the DJ and also to Nanney.