Work Days At The Park, 2004. . . .

Trail work at Shelby Farms Park in 2004 involved repairing the White Trail between the Wolf River Greenbelt and Meander Lake. Long a hazard this part of the trail had become eroded over the years to the point that one wash out area was almost impossible to cross with a horse.

In September members of the Alliance with the help of Nathan Lubin and his donation of the use of a mini-excavator, bobcat loader and a driver began the job of opening up the trail so that a 24' culvert could be placed at the eroded area. With bad weather dogging the project from the start and several times having to leave equipment at the site because it was unsafe to bring it out in the rain the trail work was finally finished in December.

Trails users were at first dismayed by the damage done to the trail in getting the equipment and culvert in to the area which was 2400 feet from the beginning of the trail. Once equipment was able to reach the culvert sight it took a day to place it properly and begin to cover it with dirt. Rip-rap from the Show Place Arena was donated to stablize the ends and keep it from washing out. Once the culvert was in teams of volunteers worked the trail to make sure all berms that might hold water were knocked down, the track marks left by the equipment were erased and that the slope of the trail allowed for water to sheet across it instead of accumulating in puddles. Water in steep areas of the trail was directed off using water bars.

The trail now is more open with sight lines that allow you to see anyone else using this section of this shared use trail. Biker riders, hikers, joggers and equestrians have a great place to enjoy the Park and the view out over Meander Lake has been opened up for everyone to enjoy. Suggestions about putting a bench at the sight of the culvert for those who would like to enjoy the scenery may be a future project for the Alliance.