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Volunteers estimate $104,000 in out‑of‑pocket work on Riverbend trails; request city support for Phase 2
Summary
Mountain bike volunteers and trail advocates told the commission they contributed labor and materials valued at about $103,850 toward Riverbend Nature Park trail work and asked the city to proceed with Phase 2 without cost to the city.
Representatives of the Riverbend trail volunteer community told the City Commission on June 3 that volunteers have invested substantial labor and materials into the Riverbend Nature Park trail system and asked the city to continue with Phase 2 of the trail improvements at no cost to taxpayers.
Mike Mass (presenting on behalf of the volunteer trail community) described a volunteer accounting that estimated roughly $103,850 in contributed labor, equipment rental and materials. Mass listed volunteer labor (estimated hours multiplied by an internal hourly estimate), shell material loads and other costs, and asked the commission to allow Phase 2 of the Riverbend Veil (trail) System to proceed without city funding. Other public commenters, including Robert Jones and Daniel Bowman, described the park's heavy use by families, mountain bikers, hikers and children and cited visitor statistics (an annual visit estimate of about 22,000 and an average visit of about 56 minutes) supplied by trail organizers.
Why it matters: The trail system is used by a cross section of residents and volunteers say continued work would expand recreational opportunities, particularly for young riders and families. Speakers emphasized volunteer labor and local stewardship and requested the city's continued support while limiting direct city spending for construction.
City context: Commissioners thanked volunteers and recognized a recent county award for the group; no formal city action or funding decision was recorded at the meeting. Committee members asked staff to consider the volunteers'work and to return information if the commission chooses to formalize city support or bring the work into city maintenance plans.
Ending: The volunteers requested Phase 2 continue at no cost to the city. Commissioners expressed appreciation and asked staff to keep the matter on future agendas if formal support or budgeting becomes necessary.
