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Conservation director outlines trail, campground and wetland projects; Morgan Creek Trail set to start late June
Summary
Dennis Goomate told supervisors the Morgan Creek Trail contractor is in place and bids came in under estimate; some campground and cabin projects are behind schedule, and the county secured an agreement for a Tower Terrace underpass instead of an at-grade crossing.
Dennis Goomate, conservation director, updated the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 about multiple parks and trails projects ahead of the 2025 recreation season. "It looks like a late start date of June 30," Goomate said of the Morgan Creek Trail project, where bids were under the engineer's estimate and a contractor has been selected.
Goomate said easements with neighboring landowners and a bridge over a railroad have been resolved to allow year-round access once construction is complete. He reported the Penneken Ridge mountain-bike trail is about halfway done and an add-on gravity bike park is planned near group camps.
Some projects are behind schedule: campground expansion and cabin sites at Pinnockin Ridge are delayed, though Goomate said crews are pushing to have them operational by July 4, with Memorial Day as an optimistic target. "We wanted to open this spring when, as soon as weather conditions allowed," he said, but contractors have not progressed as quickly as hoped.
Goomate reported final-stage dredging at the Penneken Ridge boat concession and work completing the Dows Manatee Trail connection under Lakeside Road. He said the Morgan Creek Lodge construction bids came in well under estimate and King Construction was awarded the contract.
On broader infrastructure, Goomate said planners have secured a commitment to build an underpass at Tower Terrace Road rather than an at-grade crossing to link the trail to the Cedar Valley Trail. "We just thought that an at grade crossing was dangerous, and so they've, agreed to do the underpass," he said.
Goomate also noted partnerships and grants: a 120-acre prairie planting funded by the Monarch Research Project and a wetland grant decision expected Feb. 28. He closed with logistical notes about an early-season water leak at the County Home Road shop and said camping season will be ready once weather allows.
Ending: Goomate said staff will continue contractor oversight and pursue grant funding for wetlands and prairie work ahead of the busy recreation season.
