I took a walk around Brentwood’s newest park, Marcella-Vivrette Smith Park, which is almost 400 acres of land preserved for public recreation enjoyment.
From the trailhead by the Ravenswood Mansion there are a couple of options for taking a trip on the trails around the park. The longest trail, the Blue Trail, is 2.25 miles and loops around the whole park. This was my choice for my trip on Thursday, April 23.
There are four trails in the park as of right now, and all are loop trails. The Blue Trail is perfect for a weekly workout, or just some time spent enjoying nature. With open fields, woods and creeks there are a variety of views on the journey. There are also trashcans and benches and even a picnic table at spots along the trail. 
The Blue Trail begins as part of the Black Trail, and hikers will be taken by an open field and into the woods. The rolling hills of Brentwood give this trail a good mix of uphill and downhill, with some fairly rocky patches and a couple of creek crossings.
About halfway through the Blue Trail hikers can choose to travel along the edge of the woods in the open field or go on the Green Trail to cut through the woods. I chose the Green Trail, and if you’re looking for a good workout for your glutes there is a very steep hill that will give you just that.
The trail continues with some nice sites along the way, including some ponds, a couple of knobby trees and a low, well-weathered rock wall. Blackberry bushes will make for a good trail snack during summer months. I spotted a rabbit bounding off through the woods and plenty of birds singing their songs from the safety of high branches.
As this is a new trail, it has not been fully beaten in by traffic, and there are certainly some muddy spots to watch out for along the way, as with most nature trails. All trails are marked with colored and numbered markers on posts along the trail, and signs point the way when the trails cross. I did meet a pair of lost hikers, and I wasn’t always entirely sure which way to go at crossings. Singular signs are posted on each trail as hikers approach the crossing, but there is nothing at the crossing itself to point the way or clearly mark how to continue on your chosen trail. But as long as you have a good sense of direction and know which trail you want to be on you should have no trouble finding your way.
The park opened officially in November of last year. Brentwood’s Parks Department does have plans for future improvements to the park, but as of right now the plans are still in the beginning phases.
Check back with the Williamson Source after we talk with Brentwood’s Parks Director, Dave Blunt, about the park and future improvements to be made.
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