BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WARFIELD — Martin County District 5 Magistrate Ronald Workman is laying out an ambitious vision for the Warfield area.
His priorities reflect a mix of long-standing infrastructure concerns and future-focused ideas to make the area more connected, accessible and attractive. If pursued, the projects could touch nearly every part of daily life in the district. His wishlist includes safer roads, improved water service, fire department upgrades, expanded recreation and new opportunities for tourism-driven business growth.
Among his top concerns is water infrastructure.
“We need updated waterlines overall,” Workman said.
He also emphasized the importance of completing the long-discussed four-lane road to Warfield. This is particulary important, he says, as school consolidation could mean longer bus rides for students.
“The new 4-lane road to Warfield needs to be finished,” Workman said. “With the new school consolidation, our children from the Pike County line, Huntleyville, Oppy, Lovely, Warfield and Beauty areas would be on buses 1-2 hours daily. The new road would cut travel time and eliminate the need to cross Buck Creek Mountain.”
Public safety remains another pressing need on Workman’s list, particularly for the Warfield Volunteer Fire Department.
“Our Warfield Volunteer Fire Department is in need of turnout gear and a new truck to maintain a rating of 4 and keep insurance rates low,” he said.
A major part of Workman’s vision centers on outdoor tourism and trail-related development. He said the old Warfield mine property beside City Hall could serve as a strategic trailhead site connecting trail systems and bringing visitors.
“The old Warfield mine property in Warfield would be a great spot for a trailhead,” Workman said. “It is located near Warfield Park and could have access to First Frontier Trails through Sweetwater. With the Hatfield-McCoy Trails coming through Kermit in the spring of 2026, it could connect at the Warfield Railroad Bridge.”
Workman said a trailhead at the site would need a range of amenities to support tourism and overnight stays.
“We need at least 10 camper spots with electrical, water and sewer hookups,” he said, adding that Warfield also needs primitive camp sites, cabins with electricity, water and sewer, bath and restroom facilities, vendor spots with electrical and water hookups, and a staging area with electrical hookups.
Restoring the Warfield Railroad Bridge would be key to tying the vision together.
“Restore the bridge for access to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, use the trailhead site, and promote businesses in our area – gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants and more,” Workman said.
The magistrate also sees historic preservation as part of the district’s development potential. He said the Warfield caboose could be both a cultural attraction and a possible commercial destination.
“Restore it as a history center showcasing the rich history of our town and area,” he said. “Himlerville Mining Company, coal tipples, and how the river was once used to export coal. It would also make a great restaurant for the trail system.”
In addition to tourism-related ideas, Workman said he wants to improve access to outdoor recreation for local residents and visitors alike. He called for a floating fishing pier at the Warfield boat ramp that would better serve anglers, including those with disabilities.
“It’s a great fishing spot, but it needs a handicap-accessible pier with a few picnic areas,” he said.
Workman would also like to see Warfield Park restored to what he described as its heyday.
“I would love to see our park restored to the thriving park of the 1980s, with baseball, softball, Little League fields and tennis courts with lighting,” Workman said. “Over time, the wood poles that held the lights deteriorated and fell, causing the county to take them down and not replace them due to funding constraints. I would like to see a sensory park for our kids and pickleball courts.”
He also pointed to the existing walking trail as another asset that could be improved.
“Our walking trail starts at the scenic railroad bridge and ends at Warfield Park,” Workman said. “It’s a trail that follows the path of the river. It needs to be widened for better access. This trail sees many people walking and running on it daily.”