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Peoria outlines MORE program progress, previews new trails and volunteer stewardship
Summary
City staff updated the council on the MORE open-space and trails program, reporting about five miles of new trails this year, river-channel cleanup, a volunteer stewardship push, and plans for seasonal construction and signage to improve hiker safety.
Peoria officials gave a progress report May 19 on the MORE open-space and trails program, highlighting recent cleanup work, new trail segments and a push to recruit volunteers to steward and sign the system.
Deputy City Manager Kevin Burke introduced the study-session presentation and said the MORE program, endorsed in October 2024 and funded in the FY26 budget, is intended to balance development and preserve the city's adjacent natural desert lifestyle. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Calcara said the program aims to preserve large natural areas, protect wildlife and cultural resources, and provide safe, accessible multiuse trails.
John Lovelet, the MORE program manager, described work completed so far: a joint river-channel cleanup with parks, police and code compliance, trail construction including the Happy Valley Trail and segments at Paloma Community Park, and roughly five miles of new trail built this year (about eight miles including tweaks). He credited Park Ranger Supervisor Scott Cvy and trail-builder Doug Hansen and described the staff's approach to trail siting, archaeological review and wildlife protection prior to construction.
Lovelet said volunteers are central to the program's implementation. He described a volunteer training effort that has already included groups such as the Sun City Hiking Club, which helped erase an informal social trail and redirected use to existing routes. Volunteers will also act as on-site ambassadors for safety messaging (hydration, heat awareness) and minor first aid.
Council Member Edwards and others praised staff for outreach, including a Project Citizen program that brought students into trail-safety work. Staff said signage pilots, including heat-safety QR codes, will begin on active trails such as Caldwell and that construction is seasonally timed for fall and spring to avoid extreme heat.
Looking ahead, staff said MORE will pursue targeted open-space acquisitions, multi-jurisdictional partnerships and a citywide parcel and trail study to identify gaps and priorities. The presentation closed with staff reiterating the need for ongoing council support, sponsorship opportunities and continued volunteer engagement as the program expands.
