Park board approves memorandum with Hoosier Mountain Bike Association to expand and maintain local trails

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — The Zionsville Park and Recreation Board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aug. 13 with the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) to formalize volunteer maintenance and limited trail improvements at the town's mountain-bike routes. The MOU allows HMBA volunteers to perform trail maintenance with hand tools and, after appropriate training and authorization, to operate certain power equipment to remove fallen trees or other hazards. Any proposed new trail alignments or significant improvements would still come before the park board for approval. Parks staff outlined that HMBA has a history of organizing volunteer trail-care chapters across Indiana and that Zionsville's existing network of about a mile of mountain-bike trails would benefit from expanded volunteer support. Under the MOU, volunteers must complete town volunteer forms and follow standards for signage, skill-level designation and safety; staff will vet improvements to ensure they fit trail standards and town insurance requirements. Board members supported the agreement as a way to improve trail upkeep and to broaden volunteer stewardship. A board motion to approve the MOU passed by roll call (ayes from Chris Parksdale, Kimberly Lane, Matt Milborne, Anna Shepall, Doug Tishbein and Ryan Cambridge; Chad Dilley absent). Parks staff said HMBA volunteers may also propose features such as small skill elements and that staff will ensure appropriate signage that identifies trail difficulty so riders can choose routes suited to their ability. The MOU also includes a nonbinding cancellation provision that allows either party to end the agreement without cost. The parks department will coordinate volunteer training, sign standards and scheduling and expects the MOU to increase the safety and sustainability of the town's mountain-bike network.