Barefoot path in Zutendaal takes measures against splinter complaints after persistent drought

The popular Barefoot Path at the visitor center Lieteberg in Zutendaal, Belgium, is facing a splinter problem caused by the ongoing drought. The wooden elements that make up the path's adventurous terrain are drying out and cracking under the prolonged heat and dry conditions, leading to visitors getting splinters.

Heidi Pex, the manager of the visitor center, noted that the number of official complaints remains low, with only three registered in relation to the hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. However, the center is taking the complaints seriously and implementing precautionary measures. "If a certain stump is really open, it is immediately replaced. We do not hesitate about that," Pex stated.

A team of three inspects the entire path daily, checking for and replacing any wooden sections that could cause splinters. They are also attempting to moisten the ground with a water tank to counteract the drying effect. Pex acknowledged that such hot, dry summers are likely to become more common and that constant moistening is not financially feasible.

Consequently, the visitor center is exploring long-term structural modifications to the path, which could be carried out during the winter break. The goal is to ensure the path remains safe and enjoyable for visitors despite the increasingly challenging climate conditions.

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Een fikse regenbui zou meteen soelaas kunnen bieden, maar zolang die uitblijft, wordt er dagelijks ingegrepen.