A new Walker Comfort Station has been dedicated on the North Bend Rail Trail near Walker in Wood County. (Photo Provided)

WALKER — Dedication of the long-awaited Walker Comfort Station was held May 25 at the shelter and station at mile marker 14.1 on the North Bend Rail Trail near Walker in Wood County.

The area hosts a new comfort station, a picnic shelter, fire ring and horse tie-outs for those who are using the trail. The 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail runs from near Parkersburg in Wood County, to Wolf Summit in Harrison County.

Grant funds were originally for two new comfort stations on the trail. Application for funding was made in 2014. The Department of Transportation’s Agreement was issued in 2018 under the Division of Highways’ Recreational Trails Program, which was created by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. Over the years, estimates were submitted, plans updated and finally, Notice to Proceed was received in the fall of 2022.

Due to the many delays over the years, including the pandemic and state administration changes, it was determined that only one comfort station could now be purchased with grant funds.

In November 2022, after preparation of the area by the North Bend Trail Crew and Ken Adams, North Bend Rails-to-Trails Foundation vice-chairman, the comfort station was delivered to the site.

With funds left from the grant and approval to locate additional amenities at the site by North Bend Rail Trail Superintendent Paul Elliott, the NBRT Foundation voted to add a picnic shelter, fire ring, bear-proof trash can and horse tie-outs to the area to enhance the comfort of trail users.

The dedication ceremony was enjoyed by foundation members, trail crew and guests who attended the occasion.

This comfort station project is just one of the many projects that the North Bend Rails-to-Trails Foundation has completed. There are always projects in the works as the foundation is the support group for the North Bend Rail Trail. Purposes and objectives include receiving contributions in assisting in acquisition, development, maintenance and promotion of the North Bend Rail Trail, which is a public use multi-purpose recreational area.

The North Bend Rail Trail is a premier trail in West Virginia, and is visited by people from around the globe. It is also part of the American Discovery Trail and the P2P (Pittsburgh to Parkersburg) section of the Industrial Heartland Trail.

Donations may be directed to specific projects, trail maintenance and general operations. For more information visit the FaceBook page, email info@nbrt.com, or mail to North Bend Rails-to-Trails Foundation, PO Box 206, Cairo, WV 26337.