The Harlan County Outdoor Recreation Board held its monthly meeting on Tuesday and discussed key issues regarding the design of new maps along with concerns shared by the landowners who were present at the meeting.

Duane Bennett voiced his concerns about visitors of the Black Mountain Off Road Adventure Park possibly getting confused while trying to read directions with the current map layout.

“I think large maps need to be placed at each major gathering point. Visible signage needs to be on the property. There are a lot of trails that are unmarked right now. I know every time I go on the property I go on unmarked trails. The signage on the park needs to get better,” he said.

The final design of the map is still undecided as board members want to make sure that the rules of the park are located on the back of the map. Board member Roger Fannin suggested that environmental cautions be placed along with the rules.

“I think it is important to have environmental cautions visible so that visitors of the park can at least be aware of them. When you go to the beach you do see environmental warnings, and I think we should do the same thing. I believe anyone riding at the park who is a true outdoorsman will certainly respect that,” Fannin said

Harlan County Ridge Runners President Preston McLain was at the meeting and he gave a report on the turnout of the “Summer Stampede.” He said despite the high gas prices and tough weather over the weekend the event was still a success.

“Throughout the weekend, 2,100 people made their way to the event field. All of our rental homes and RV parks were filled up. The kids’ obstacle course was a big hit during the event. Our food vendors did very well. We had funnel cakes selling every which way. I think if the gas prices don’t settle down we will get hurt eventually, but we didn’t this weekend. Everyone had a good time,” McLain said.

It was also announced during the meeting that the newly ordered maps had been received and they are estimated to last through July.