A steamy topic that started lively debates among trail users and equestrians is set to be discussed by the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District’s board at their regular monthly meeting next week.

The board will talk about the issue again and take public comments, according to district Director Doug Coutts, but no action is planned.

The issue of horse droppings at Community Park was brought up by two park regulars last month. They complained that dung on trails was excessive and asked district commissioners to take steps to address the problem. It’s an issue that has been brought up in the past, but parks commissioners say this is the first time the issue has been brought up at a board meeting.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the district’s headquarters on Maxwelton Road.

A story from The Record detailing the complaints elicited numerous responses from readers. Trail walkers proposed several solutions, from asking riders to clean up after their horse to requiring the use of manure bags. Readers from the equestrian community argued that horse poop has no health hazards, that it should be allowed to maintain a rural atmosphere, and voiced complaints about the difficulty or inconvenience of clean up.

Coutts said the discussion at the meeting will only cover horse poop on property controlled by the district, including Community Park, the South Whidbey Sports Complex and Trustland Trails.