Volunteers are needed so bikers, hikers and runners can hit the trails this summer.
The newly formed Okotoks Trail Alliance is hoping to have a volunteer day on April 30.
“Our message to the community is we want to work together to build a recreational resource that is going to be safe, fun and sustainable,” said alliance chairman Monte Christensen.
The beginning step of the alliance is to build approximately 1.2 kilometres of trails on the side hill of the wooded area of Sheep River Park, east of the water treatment plant. The new trails will complement the approximately six kilometres of track already in the area.
“These are single track trails that are skinnier than normal,” Christensen explained. “On big, wide trails people tend to go faster. On single track trails people tend to take their time.”
The alliance will also work on the trails already at the location.
“We want to make the existing trails safer and more sustainable,” Christensen said. “And we want to expand it a few kilometres. Right now, we have it flagged out for an additional 1.2 km. We’re taking baby steps.”
The trails will be multi-use, good for mountain bikers, runners and in the winter, cross-country skiing.
The club has a soft opening date of June 23 for the 1.2 km additional trails.
It is improving the trails with the help of important partners.
The alliance is working closely with the Town of Okotoks to ensure proper procedures are followed, such as no surprise dangerous jumps.
They are also working with the Town’s arbourist to prevent damage to trees and plants in the area.
“Our next step is to walk the laid out trails with town officials,” Christensen said.
The group is also having executive members from the Moose Mountain Trail Association and West Bragg Trail Association come and audit the trails in Okotoks.
“They will also educate our trail building leaders,” Christensen said.
Working with Mother Nature is paramount.
“Our focus is on sustainable trails that don’t cause erosion.”
The trails will be cut at a slight angle to cause minimum erosion. As well it will not be dipping down near the Sheep River.
It won’t be just bicycle treads in the area, there will also be sneaker treads.
Christensen said they have been working with the Big Rock Runners in regards to trail running.
Safety is also a major concern. One of the reasons for the new trails is to provide options for mountain bikers, walkers and runners to have more options to avoid collisions — a place to step or pedal to the side.
As well, the alliance is hoping to educate users in regards to right of ways on the trails, safety and sustainability in the area.
Proper signage is also in the works for the trails.
Alliance executive member Michael Bain, an avid biker who also runs, said the trails are at the beginner to intermediate level with some technical spots.
They will also be ideal for his young family.
“I will definitely be taking my family on them,” Bain said. “It (the 1.2 km) will give the ability to loop the trails – instead of one direction and out. You will be able to ride a variety of trails. There will be safer entrances for people who are beginners.”
The alliance is looking for potential sponsors for items such as signage. As well, it needs volunteers for April 30.
For more information go to the Okotoks Mountain Biking and Trail Alliance Facebook page.
