County officials are considering options for enhancing both the front yard of the Courthouse and the base of the Bike/Hike Trail.

The topic was discussed during Monday’s Warren County Commissioner’s work session.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston said he is interested in exploring “what we can do to improve the space around the Courthouse.”

He said that he’s interested in exploring the possibility of developing a park in the front portion of the courthouse yard “especially with single point (of entry)” and the fact that there is “no foot traffic to the front of the building. (It would be) worthwhile to see what we can do to use that space more effectively.”

Eggleston said he met with the Warren County Career Center late last week and sees “a lot of potential to coordinate with them.”

While he said there’s no timetable, he proposed a couple possible projects – a gazebo and benches at the courthouse, as well as along the Bike/Hike Trail.

He proposed “more of a community space at the head of the trail.”

Eggleston said the county has Act 13 Greenway funds that could be used to procure supplies. The WCCC or Boy Scout groups could undertake the work.

Act 13 is the money collected in impact fees from unconventional oil and gas well production.

“We’re constantly looking for projects with Act 13,” he said. “This is something we wouldn’t have to throw much at to develop that space more.”

Commissioner Ben Kafferlin said those project ideas “sound like a very viable use of the funds. We have well over $100,000 in that account.” Eggleston said the county has received many requests for benches and that he “would rather not wait” on meeting that need, potentially going out for bid for benches is volunteer groups don’t emerge.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Kafferlin said.

“I’d like to see some really nice (benches),” Eggleston said. “(This is) something that needs to happen sooner rather than later.”