Trail Condition Updates: Friday, 10/23/09

We've been getting some calls asking if any trails are flooded and as of 11:30 am on Friday, Oct 23, we are happy to report that all trails are still above flood waters. Park crews are nearly finished cleaning out the sand and silt that was deposited in the downtown and MKT Stadium tunnels and will begin inspecting all trails this afternoon.

Strawn Road Archery Hunt--Temporarily Closed Oct 23

All archery hunters should be aware that the Strawn Road site is temporarily closed due to flooding. As of Friday, Oct 23 the site is under approximately 3-ft of water. It is likely that the water will continue to rise and peak sometime today. Even when the water recedes, the turf parking area will likely be too soft for vehicles until early next week.

Once the water has receded, archery hunters may use the site at their own risk.

Trail Condition Updates: Monday, 10/19/09

Despite having a few staff members home sick, we were able to get back on the trail today and nearly complete the MKT. Here's an update:

MKT: New holes at bridge #1 & 8 repaired. Final trail surface mix has been spread, rolled and compacted. Trail is essentially repaired although additional rock is needed along shoulder in one particular area. However, this shouldn't impact any trail users.

Bear Creek Trail: Began adding 1" roll stone along washouts from Creasey Springs Trailhead entrance heading west toward Cosmos Park. Anticipate a few more days and this trail will be repaired and staff will be able to get to the Hinkson Creek Trail.

Trail Update, Sunday Oct 18

Unfortunately, Forestry staff (they are also responsible for trail maintenance) was called to remove some hazard trees on Friday and were unable to conduct trail maintenance activities.

It may be Tuesday before trail maintenance work resumes.

Trail Condition Updates: Thursday, 10/15/09 Afternoon

Additional rain has caused a pause in most trail repair work. Heavy trucks on already soft trail can lead to rutting and uneven trail construction.

MKT Trail: Unstable soil conditions caused holes on either side of bridge 13 trail approaches. These holes have been repaired today. Depending on the weather, the plan for Friday is to roll and compact MKT from Forum to Sewer plant # 2 and then apply 3/8 surface rock next week.

Bear Creek Trail: Staff will start rebuilding at Cosmo to Creasy Springs on Friday as well.

Hinkson Creek Trail: As of this date, the trail is usable, but it does need 3/8 surface and a couple of low spots fixed. Staff will get to this after MKT and Bear Creek.

Trail Condition Updates: Tuesday, 10/13/09 Afternoon

Bear Creek Trail: All tunnels clean and clear of sand and silt. Most of the trail has been preliminarily gone over with a tractor and box blade and is passable, but rough.

MKT: All of 1-inch rollstone down, most of it packed with roller. Need to finish smoothing out one minor area and finish with surface rock.

Weather pending, staff will be back out on the trails on Wednesday.

Trail Condition Updates: Tuesday, 10/13/09 Morning

Staff will be working on the MKT Trail and Bear Creek Trail today with a goal of adding 1-inch rollstone on all washed out sections of the trail. After adding the 1-inch stone, staff will roll and compact this layer. If we are able to get this accomplished, staff will add the surface rock on Wednesday and again roll and compact this last layer.

All trails are usable, but cyclists with street tires should be extremely cautious when riding as there are still sections that are rough.