New Dates - Mark Your Calendar

Next Workday
The next workday is scheduled for February 17th, 2007. It will begin as usual at 8:00 a.m. We will all meet at Pavilion I. The plan is to groom the trail between Pavilion I and Pavilion II and smooth out the rough spots. If we have enough help, we will have others work on erosion control devises on the main loop. We may also begin "Spring Cleaning" in the front of the park.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be Thursday, February 15th, 2007. Usually, our meetings are the second Wednesday of the month. However, the second Wednesday in February falls on Valentine's Day. My wife would kill me if I held a meeting on Valentine's Day and that would probably prohibit me from mountain biking. Sorry. I hope that change does not inconvenience anyone.

Earth Day
FORP has decided to have a huge workday and celebration at Rotary Park on Saturday, April 21. All of the details have not yet been worked out but whatever they are, we will begin at 8:00 a.m. and go from there. Be sure and mark your calendars.

Spread the Word
FORP is kicking off its annual membership drive. If you are a current member, we hope that you will renew for 2007. If you are not a member, we hope that you will become one and get involved in this exciting time for Rotary Park as we restore the park to its original glory and beyond. Dues are $25 per family and can be mailed to FORP c/o Chris Clark at 101 North Third Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040.

Workday a Huge Success/Meeting Reminder

Workday
The New Year has started out with a bang for FORP. Our workday this past Saturday was a huge success. We had a relatively small crew but due to the dedication of our volunteers, we were able to accomplish a great deal. Our group of seven made for several first in FORP history. This was the first time the mountain bikers outnumbered the hikers.[1] This was the first workday when we did not have a single female present (lets not let this happen again, ladies). And, for another first, over half of the group were doctors (thank God no one cut a leg off but we would have at least made it to Gateway if we had).

Our goal for the workday was to complete all benching on the main loop. I was worried we would not get this done. However, this was done in about two hours. WOW! Those using the main loop now have a smooth, flat trail tread to enjoy for hiking, running, or biking. As always, I was very impressed with our volunteers this weekend. All worked extremely hard. Over half had never done this type of work before but picked it up very quickly and worked very efficiently.

After completing the trail work, we hiked an area of the park that is virtually untapped and primed for trail expansion. This area of the park should be suitable for 1 ½ to 2 miles of trail to be incorporated into the perimeter loop and is in the Southeastern corner of the property. This section of trail will be a large undertaking, as it will require several bridges to cross a large drain in that area. I mention this now because funding will be an issue. I am guessing that the bridges will cost at least $500 a piece and between 5 and six will be needed. We have not had to embark on a large capital campaign yet, but one may be necessary this year.

One remaining project remains for the main loop: a bridge across the large drain that runs through the center of the loop. Kurt K. has arranged for a Boy/Eagle Scout to take this on as his Eagle project. This Scout will be responsible for working with county officials (Stacy and building and codes) for an appropriate design as well as funding and construction. He will also be working with FORP in the design of the bridge. I expect construction to begin in the spring after design approval and funding being secured.

Meeting
As announced previously, there will be a meeting this Wen. at the public library. Topics for discussion include: new website, helping Eagle Scout bridge project, membership renewal and new member drive, and brainstorming on future work to be done and events.

Thoughts
I cannot begin to explain how excited I am about this new loop being open and benched. The trail is well groomed and beautiful. It is going to set the tone for the type of quality and attention to detail that we are going to bring to the remainder of the park. After each of you use it, I would like to hear your comments, good or bad. Because this is the primary loop and in the front of the park, I feel strongly that we should make it as attractive and user friendly as possible.

See you on the trails!

[1] Six of the seven are serious mountain bikers and the other was a serious hiker but all seven both hike and mountain bike.