Editor, the Times:
We live in the most beautiful place in West Virginia and still it is hard for government to maintain our national recreation area.
Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia. The observation tower is not handicap accessible. The trail from the parking lot to the observation tower is no way travelable by a handicap person. Once you get to the tower and climb the steps to the top of the tower, one can’t see because of the trees.
It sure is nice for people to come from other states, but then they find out all of the problems one faces in getting there. The road is 22 feet wide with a deep side ditch on one side and a steep incline on the other with turn outs in order to pass when you meet another vehicle.
Clinton Hedrick Post 183 has been working on this for three years and still nothing is being done. It is not left up to the state to maintain the area.
From Gateway Restaurant to the government line at Simoda, this road is maintained by the state of West Virginia, and it is in good condition.
There are several businesses started along the road, cabins for rent and campgrounds being erected.
Tourism is important to West Virginia, and we want them to come in. However, the road to Spruce and the trail to the tower are not handicap accessible. The only thing that may be nice are the toilets at the campground parking lot.
I was hoping that some other organizations would write to their representatives and encourage them to work on this project. If we can get other organizations to complain, maybe something will be done.
Remember the wheel that squeaks the loudest gets the most grease.
American Legion Post 183
Charles Teter, Comm.
