Peggy Rohatyn is helping bring new life to the Pretty Valley trails with a creative community project known as the gnome tree.
Rohatyn explained that the idea started when she and Debbie Knight spotted a hollowed tree and thought it would make a perfect fairy or gnome home. “We brought a couple of gnomes down that had been donated to us and put them there. In the first couple of years, they kind of went missing, so we made a little sign asking people to leave them. Now, when we go down there, there’s always something new,” said Rohatyn. Community members have since added lights, miniature houses, and gnomes of their own, making it a unique feature along the trail.
She said the gnome tree is located on the outer trail near Rotary Hall with a bench across from it, where visitors can sit and enjoy the whimsical display.
The community has also been busy with recreation updates. The new disc golf course is fully open, with new toppers for the baskets provided by KRG and Dynamic Signs. Rohatyn noted that while it is not a long course, it is considered a technical one and has been well used since opening. Plans are already being considered for a back nine, possibly next year.
Pickleball courts are also seeing steady use. While specialty paint for the full surface has been delayed until spring, temporary white lines are marked for play, and equipment can be borrowed at the park office. “It has been well received. People are out there on a regular basis, and it’s first-come first serve,” said Rohatyn.
Looking ahead, the group is organizing Run the Course on October 25 at Woodlawn Golf Course, a fundraiser for Pressure Fitness. The untimed event includes both a family-friendly run on the front nine and a marked 10K option. “It’s donation only. If you want to bring your family down or make a donation, that’s totally up to you. Ward Title and RBC Wealth Management sponsor the run and have from the very beginning,” Rohatyn added.
She said the event has run in all kinds of weather, with strong community support, and strollers are welcome on the course.
Rohatyn added that the group will also be preparing for the Coal Country Run in the spring.