According to readers who took part in a survey of issues relevant to Chickasaw County, more recreation in the county is desired. 30 percent said the amount of recreation is “ok” while 25 percent found it good. However, 33 percent feel the opportunities need improvement.

The city governments of Chickasaw County understand the need for entertainment opportunities and address the issues as best they can under budget constraints. One of the newest additions, and perhaps the most visible, is the Bray Creek Trail in Houston.

The trail was already in existence, but paving was funded through a Dept. of Wildlife grant. The paving has proved instrumental in the increased use of the facility which winds through Joe Brigance Park and around the high school baseball field off of Starkville Road. Citizens can be seen walking and biking the trail at all hours of any day, proving that the need for the amenity was there.

The most recent addition to the trail is lighting around the path to provide walkers added security as well as allow for more use in the evening hours.

“The lights are very convenient to people who want to beat the heat by exercising at night. With me having two small children, it helps that it is paved so I can easily use my stroller,” said Chasity Pearson of Houston.

Although the hard money came from grants, the city had to put in their match and did so in hard work. Mayor Stacey Parker gave credit to the Public Works Dept. for helping make the trail a reality.

“Ricko (Nichols) and his crew worked really hard to make our match in labor,” Parker said. “When all is said and done, the project will end up being worth about $170,0000-$180,000.”

Parker also said that to keep the trail usable and enjoyable for all, the community will have to pitch in.

“We need you to help us take care of it,” Parker said. “There should be no motorized vehicles on it, no ATVs, no trucks, no cars. The signs are up, but it’s up to us to protect it.”

Walking trails have proved to be a popular outlet for recreation and three of the municipalities host the facilities. Okolona’s track is located on Hwy. 8 West around the Shearer-Richardson Nursing Home, while the Town of New Houlka has a gravel track at the community center and sports complex. Houston has a second trail behind Trace Regional Hospital that was funded through a PACE grant.

Walking tracks and trails are just one of the recreational facilities that can be found in Chickasaw County. A partial list of activities, sites and attractions is included in this edition.