Friends of Rotary Park

This is a service provided to the users of Rotary Park in Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee. It is hosted by Friends of Rotary Park, a newly formed volunteer group that is dilligently working to improve the trail network at the park. This site provides information about current, past, and future trail development.

Name:

Rotary Park is a county-owned natural park in Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee. It consists of two adjoining tracts of land that make up about 95 acres of mostly undeveloped, wooded land. There is one park entrance/exit that is paved and runs to the back of the park. There are three pavilions along the roadway with the largest being at the road's end. Rotary Park has an extensive trail network and is open to hikers and bikers. The new push for extensive trail work is necessary because most trails were improperly built by ATVs and motorcycles. Motorized vehicles are now banned from the park. Furthermore, the trails are showing signs of serious erosion. Most recently, a large amount of sustainable trail located outside of the park's boundary has been taken by development. The Friends of Rotary Park is dedicated to restoring and improving the park. Those interested in joining Friends of Rotary Park can do so by contacting Chris Clark at 931-801-3898. Dues are $25.00 for a family membership.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Park Update, New Workday and Meeting Scheduled

Friends:

Sorry to be incognito lately. Work has kept me extremely busy but things are going to slow down for at least a week or two. I can now focus back on Rotary Park and give you guys an update.

Old Business:

On Feb. 17 we had a workday at the park. If you recall, we got a good bit of snow that morning and it was COLD. Only Adam Queen and I showed up. Adam and I got a good bit done despite the small crew. One project was to close off the lower portion of the old trail leading from Pavilion I down the hill to the drain. This trail was badly eroded, covered in roots, and was no longer needed as we have completed the main/short loop behind Pavilion I. We also cut down a dead cedar that was threatening a new section of trail. If you are ever having a "dumb" day or a "blonde" moment, ask Adam or myself to tell you that story. You will suddenly feel like the smartest person on Earth.

Perhaps the biggest and most beneficial project of the day was raising the trail tread in the large drain on the main loop. This is a temporary fix until the spring when the Eagle Scouts build the bridge that is planned to cross the entire drain. Until then, have fun on our log causeway.

Main Loop:

Now that the Main Loop or Short Loop is open, I see a lot more people using that area of the park. In the past, the area behind Pavilion I did not see much use. In my opinion, this loop is the best trail in the park. The best part is that it is a loop. We are starting to accomplish one of our original and most important goals: to make the park more user friendly by creating a series of well defined loops that will help keep park users from getting lost. The next step for that part of the park is proper signage. We have set a goal of June to have signage in place pending county approval.

Work Days and Meetings:

The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 14th at 5:30 p.m. in the Clarksville library. As usual, that is the second Wednesday of the month. Please bring dues if you have not paid for 2007. We will discuss the signs for the Main Loop and the next workday.

The next workday will be Saturday, March 17th. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Pavilion I. That is St. Patrick's Day so where green or deal with the consequences. We will be working on a new section of trail that day so bring appropriate tools and materials.

See you soon. Happy trails.

CC

Thursday, February 01, 2007

FORP Speaks at Kiwanis

I was asked to speak at the Hilldale Kiwanis meeting this morning about FORP. I was warmly welcomed. I explained to the group who we were and why we existed. I also explained what we have done and what we have planned for the future. Many attendees were longtime Clarksville residents and have fond memories of Rotary Park. A few of them shared their favorite Rotary Park stories with the group after my presentation. I provided every member with a handout complete with a description of our group as well as photographs from past workdays. The photo sequence took viewers from a nearly bare piece of land to the completed trail. I attempted to show the group how much work that it takes for us to build sustainable trail.

In all, I thought the presentation went well. It was a great opportunity to spread the word about our group and, most importantly, that Rotary Park has re-opened and will soon be better than ever. I think I even recruited some new workers. I sincerely appreciate the members of the Hilldale Kiwanis giving me such an opportunity and such a warm welcome.