BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Tourism & Recreation Commission is charting a “Big Chair” trail.
During a special meeting Aug. 27, commissioners discussed installing the oversized props in public spaces throughout the county. Their goal is to highlight landmarks and attract visitors to photo opportunities.
Part of the discussion centered on asking county magistrates to suggest locations and submit theme ideas for their respective districts.
The Commission also revealed plans to create a map, signage and website.
“We need something downtown or just outside of town that says, ‘Follow our chair trail,’” Commissioner Linda Lou Webb said. “When you come downtown you need to know there is a chair trail.”
Commissioner Jarrod Slone suggested placing a map in the vicinity of the big chair on Court Street.
Chairman Nita Collier shared an idea for a website.
“What if we do a separate website for the chair trail?” Collier asked, proposing QR codes on the chairs that could link to seasonal riddles for children to solve.
Commissioners liked the idea.
“Some people don’t come around the courthouse,” Webb pointed out, again suggesting that signage should be at the city limits.
Although planning is still underway, commissioners mentioned possible chair locations at the Turkey Fire Department, Pigeon Roost Park, Grassy Park, Tomahawk Park, Warfield City Park at the railroad bridge and caboose, Huntleyville Park, First Frontier Appalachian Trailhead, “Hi Top,” and “Top of the World.”
Collier noted the chairs would be set in concrete. She estimated the cost of each chair at $400.
On the subject of cost, Slone suggested asking the carpentry class at the Martin County Area Technology Center to build, engrave and paint the chairs, with the Commission supplying the materials.
Collier agreed to speak with carpentry instructor Jared Goforth about the possibility. She also expressed her desire for art students to paint the designs.
Board member Jessi Muncy added that the chairs should display the locations across the top.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Katrina Sansom is gathering the history of Martin County for the Commission’s timeline project inside the Historic Martin County Courthouse.