The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District is considering an addition to a popular network of trails.

During a meeting last month, the district’s board of commissioners discussed the possibility of adding onto Maxwelton Trails, a 40-acre forested park located on property next to the South Whidbey School District.

As Executive Director Brian Tomisser explained, the new trail is about 290 yards – or 870 feet – long and would make the walk more of a loop. It would also encourage hikers to park in the school parking lot, rather than the side of Maxwelton Road, to access the trails.

Apart from staff time, the cost of creating the new trail would be minimal. Tomisser said it’s likely the new trail would cross into the school’s easement, so he plans to reach out to the school district before construction is officially approved.

The commissioners agreed that as a stakeholder, the school district needs to be made aware of the proposal.

The new trail will potentially be approved at the board’s January 17 meeting.