By Jennifer Andress, BTC Past President
I have several exciting updates to share with you this month. I have been in regular communication with the City of Homewood about some improvements to the Lakeshore Trail.
I first contacted the city about trash cans and port-a-potties. I had emailed the BTC Executive Committee about my suggestions, and Vulcan Runner Editor Julie Pearce recommended a safety phone for those in need of assistance. I added that to our list of proposed items.
I immediately heard back from Fire Chief John Bresnan. We met in his office at City Hall, and then later we climbed aboard the Fire Department’s golf cart and rode up and down the Lakeshore Trail. We took pictures and notes, and gathered information about access points to the trail.
After the tragic death of Sterling Edwards, who was out on a run when he suddenly passed away, the issue of medical assistance for runners has become a priority. Chief Bresnan recognizes this need, and is investigating the best system to put into place for those on the Lakeshore Trail who might need an EMT or ambulance. I was thoroughly impressed by his attention to detail and his concern for the safety of the runners and walkers in his jurisdiction.
We are still gathering information about what kind of system the city could put into place, and I am excited to be working on this project with Chief Bresnan in order to keep you informed.
As far as the other items proposed, as you can see in this photo, Homewood immediately installed a doggie bag dispenser after receiving our request. The port-a-potties are still under investigation because Lakeshore Trail is situated in a flood plain, which raises some difficulties. I will keep you posted as we further research this dilemma.
We also are still looking at gaining support again for a pedestrian bridge over Highway 280 on Hollywood Boulevard. A BTC officer made me aware of a fall that a BTC member recently had on the bridge trying to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. She sent me pictures of the member’s swollen and cut knee, and I forwarded them to the Homewood City Council. We need a Mountain Brook resident to help gather support from the Mountain Brook City Council as well. If you are a Mountain Brook resident willing to approach your City Council on our behalf, please email me at pastpresident@birminghamtrackclub.com.
Finally, BTC officer Darrell Gibson reported a broken metal signpost that was a hazard on the access road leading away from Mountain Brook Village towards the YMCA. I contacted Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston about the problem, and he informed me that the signpost is located either on Homewood, Birmingham or ALDOT property. I will keep you posted on our progress with getting this hazard removed.
As always, if you or any member of your running group has suggested improvements for our running area and routes, please send them my way, and we will begin contacting the appropriate city or elected official. Again, my email address is pastpresident@birminghamtrackclub.com. Together, we can keep our routes safe for all runners and walkers!