Funds sought for bike trail at Alameda
Two parks were discussed at the county commissioners meeting on Wednesday.
Lance Welliver, the county's director of parks and recreation, asked commissioners for $10,000 from the county legacy fund to pay expenses incurred on the six-mile mountain biking trail in Alameda Park.
He also asked for approval of a new ordinance for Diamond Park.
Welliver said the mountain bike trail, known as the Alameda Park Single Track, is now about six miles long and has several access points.
One is halfway down the hill on Alameda Road and the others are in the area of the Odd Fellows complex behind the pool.
Since beginning in 2015, volunteers accompanied by a professional trail-clearing service have now cleared more than five miles of the trail.
Two races were held on the trail last year, and this year four are planned for May, June, October and December, Welliver said.
He said the trail volunteers, most of whom are mountain biking enthusiasts, have been essential in clearing and maintaining the trail.
“The volunteers are here almost every weekend, doing something with the trail,” he said. “They have probably 2,000 hours in.”
Anyone with a bicycle can enjoy the trail, Welliver said.
“It's a great resource for people to ride their bikes,” he said. “You don't have to be 20 years old and in shape.”
Welliver said riders as young as 5 as well as senior citizens use the trail, and one rider traverses the Alameda woods on the trail on a unicycle.
The plan in 2014 was to place 20 miles of mountain bike trail at Alameda.
“Realistically, we're probably looking at 12 to 15,” Welliver said.
The trail is free and open to the public during park hours.
Welliver also asked the commissioners to approve at their upcoming meeting on Wednesday a new ordinance that would affect those who rent Diamond Park on Main Street.
Should the commissioners approve the measure, park renters would pay a $200 deposit that would be refunded if the park is returned to normal after an event.
They would also pay $125 for electric and $60 for a worker to connect the electric and perform any other tasks needed.
Welliver explained that electric service is available at the park, but a county maintenance worker must connect and disconnect it for renters.
“We're just trying to recoup the staff and other expenses we incur,” Welliver said.
He said Diamond Park is usually rented for festivals or events like Wreaths Across America, the Carved in Ice festival and the Butler Fall Festival.
The commissioners are expected to vote on the parks ideas on Wednesday.
