After years of discussion Carlisle had opted for a stone dust surface for its new system of pedestrian and bike paths. 6 months after phase I completion, people observed that weeds were overtaking the stone surface. Left to grow, the weeds would eventually make the path generally unusable and non-ADA compliant. The Federal American Disabilities Act calls for publicly funded pathways to be handicapped accessible.
The use of herbicides to control the weeds was rejected by Town committees, and after researching a dozen nonasphalt surfaces, the Town opted for asphalt as the best solution.