В Вест-Престонсбурге открыт тропу в честь местного предпринимателя Дона Филдса

The West Prestonsburg entrance to the Prestonsburg Passage paved trail was named Aug. 27 in honor of a local businessman and exercise enthusiast who Mayor Rick Hughes credited with making the attraction possible. The Don Fields Trailhead was dedicated in a brief ceremony conducted by Hughes, who kept the event secret from Fields until just minutes before it began. "We want to celebrate a dedication of our trail," Hughes said in opening remarks. "We want to celebrate and thank a community leader, friend, and one that puts others before himself." Hughes said the Prestonsburg Passage began several years ago due to Fields. "It has really helped tourism along the way," Hughes said. "Joining in with tourism and, of course, our city and our community, it has been a wonderful adventure." Hughes joked that he was surprised that Fields' wife, Nikki, did not tell her husband about the dedication prior to their arrival at the ceremony. "I was told, 'She will tell him, she'll tell him, she'll tell him,'" Hughes said before asking Don to address the crowd. Don, the owner of Pro Fitness in Prestonsburg, said he was at a loss for words. "I've enjoyed every minute of this trip — the kayaking, the biking, the fitness center," Fields said. "I didn't expect anything like this. It's been great. Prestonsburg is my home. I grew up in Whitesburg. When I came here, it was like I hadn't even moved ... I enjoy what I do. I get up every day, and I think, 'You know, I get to ride my bike today, I get to go to the gym, I get to see all these people that I've known for so many years. Thank you all. She didn't tell me. I had no idea." Don and his wife then removed a bag that was covering the sign for the Don Fields Trailhead that says it is named "In Recognition Of His Decades Of Hard Work And Dedication To The Health, Wellbeing And Tourism Industry In The City Of Prestonsburg." Nikki then spoke briefly, saying they had been on vacation when she was told to call Hughes, who told her about the dedication. "I just had tears in my eyes when he told that because Don is so worthy of this and so much more," she said. "He's done so much that some people may not even realize that he does, and I'm very blessed to stand my him as his wife." Hughes said he agreed with Nikki's comments about her husband. "She is right. Don does so much for our community," Hughes said. "I know he takes old bikes. He refurbishes them and gives them to our kids or to people that can't afford one."