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.

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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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Trail Sign Update

As you visit the park you may notice 4x4 posts at the trailheads and the intersections. That is because our sign project for the two smaller loops is well underway. You should start seeing signs installed as early as this Saturday. Soon, the Red Cedar Loop and Blue Bird Loop will be clearly marked in the clockwise direction as well as at all major intersections.

I would like everyone to know that the sign project, like the rebuilding of the trail network, is going to be a lengthy project. Our hope is to have the two smaller loops fully signed at all major trailheads and intersections in the clockwise direction. That should be complete very soon as all but two of the signs have been purchased, made, and delivered. Once that is completed, we will begin working towards having the trails signed in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. That will leave only the White Oak Loop and the connector trails to be signed. These trails are not yet complete and cannot be properly signed until they are completed and the old trails completely closed.

The reason the sign project is being completed in three phases like this is two-fold: 1) signs are expensive; 2) as stated above, the White Oak Loop is not yet complete. To address the "signs are expensive" reason, FORP is encouraging folks to donate money towards this project. I hate asking people for money but that is the only way a volunteer group such as our group can accomplish such a huge project. The signs we are installing cost between $22 and $105.50 per sign. This is expensive, but when you see the signs, you will know why and appreciate the cost. If we were to receive a large contribution from a corporate donor, it would greatly improve our ability to complete this project. So, encourage your employers if you can. It can be arranged where they pay the sign company directly if that is preferred.

As far as the rebuilding of the trail network, my goal is to have the entire trail network flagged by the end of the year, open by the end of Spring 2008, and fully benched and bridged by the end of 2008. That is a conservative goal. I think that it can be done much sooner if volunteer help continues to increase. Our volunteers are really stepping up and doing a great job.

1 Comments:

Blogger Stacy said...

I went out to Rotary Park today for the first time...I must have used one of the walking paths since there were a few trees down over the path and I saw no bike marks. Can you direct me to one of the finished paths? Preferably the most tame because I'm riding a road bike. If you can please email me at red_dragon_chica@yahoo.com

Thanks so much for all your work, it looks like a great place to play!

10:24 AM  

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