OCONEE COUNTY, GA- Construction will start next Monday to complete the popular walking loop at Oconee Veterans Park. For seven years the park trail has been left incomplete. Grady Newsource Reporter Allison Morrow spoke with trailblazers and officials alike on what the new construction means to the community.

“I’ve been living here for 6 years. And for 6 years its just sat there like that,” says Rachel Qadri who has turned around each time she walks the trail, refusing to walk on the unpaved parts.

Oconee County residents walk the trail for physical activity but for folks like Daniel Clark walking the trail is therapy.

“Two years ago I had to have both hips replaced and I had put on some weight. So I’m trying to lose weight and get back in shape now that everything fits right,” says Clark.

Funding for the trail construction will remove the dead end cone and pave of the remaining gravel portion. Oconee County Commissioners approved over 74 thousand dollars in SPLOST money to go to the park service.

“Oh that’s great. When is it going to start,” says Clark after hearing the news.

Qadri also shares the pleasure in hearing that after more than six years, the trail will get completely paved.

“I like that it’s paved, I enjoy the trails too, but it would be great if it was finished.”

Construction is expected to take as long as one to two weeks according to county officials.