Committee reviews trail signage, maps and access; staff outlines trail‑building progress

Town of Loxahatchee Groves staff presented an updated trail map and new signage to the Retag committee and reviewed recent trail-building work and access issues affecting connectivity.

Craig Lauer showed the committee a map marking newly designated green trail corridors and said crews had been clearing and finishing work on the 160‑first segment, including sodding and swale work. He described plans to replace gates, add horse gates and widen some crossings to keep riders off paved roadways and extend the horse trail where property and easements allow. "160 first is almost done; they're finishing sodding and the swale," Lauer said during the presentation.

Committee members raised questions about trailer parking, where water troughs and mounting blocks should be placed, and whether signs should say "dogs must be on leash" versus referencing Palm Beach County laws. Lauer said SolarSport had approved a central post location in one park and that staff would coordinate final placements and any sign reprints as needed. Members noted some trail sections lie on property managed by the Seminole Improvement District or the city of Westlake and said staff may need to pursue shared-use agreements or easements; the chair suggested consulting the town attorney about legal easement options.

Staff also reported some trail pipe extensions and grading had already begun in targeted areas to move the horse trail away from the roadway; members asked that staff follow up with the committee at the Dec. 18, 2025 meeting with specific site plans, estimated costs and a proposed implementation timeline. The committee agreed to continue mapping preferred sign and hitching-post locations and to prioritize placement where riders currently arrive and park.