Council approves Dorba agreement for Pecan Grove trails; volunteers to build and maintain path

The Rowlett City Council on Feb. 18 approved an agreement letting the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (Dorba) construct and maintain a single-track mixed-use trail at Pecan Grove Park, subject to city design approval and standard conditions.

Dorba representatives and public speakers — including members of the mountain-biking community — told council the group will provide volunteers, labor, equipment, materials and liability insurance. Martin Malloy and other advocates said Dorba will pay for trail construction, trail signage and ongoing stewardship at no cost to the city.

Under the one-year agreement (with automatic renewals), Dorba must provide a trail steward, notify the city of scheduled work, sign waivers for volunteers and maintain a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy naming the city as additional insured. The agreement allows the city to approve all designs and to close the trail at any time; improvements made during the agreement become city property upon termination.

Council discussed indemnity language in the draft agreement. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Schindler moved to approve the agreement but delete the first paragraph on page three (a clause regarding indemnification); council adopted the modified agreement on a unanimous 6–0 vote. Staff noted the agreement will likely return to Dorba’s governing body to accept the amended language.

Why it matters: The trail will expand outdoor recreation options at Pecan Grove Park and relies on volunteer labor and private insurance rather than direct city funding. The agreement preserves city control over design and operation while leveraging community volunteers for construction and maintenance.

Actions taken: Council approved the Dorba use-and-maintenance agreement, with the stated indemnity paragraph deleted (6–0).