"Get dirty- give back" is the theme for this first-ever trail building workshop series, being held at the Keystone Ancient Forest this fall. The Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department is planning a series of outdoor hands-on workshops for volunteers wanting to learn basic trail building principles and techniques, or for people who simply want to become involved in the Keystone Ancient Forest project.
"If you enjoy trails, meeting new people and having fun while giving back to Oklahoma- you won't want to miss this", stated Grant Gerondale, Parks Director for the City of Sand Springs. "Working together as a group, we'll be creating a new trail at the forest for people to enjoy for many years to come."
Prospective trail crew volunteers are asked to contact the parks department to learn more about an upcoming "kick-off" orientation meeting, and this fall's workshop series dates.
Volunteers will learn about basic trail layout and design, including trail tread surfaces, slopes, turns, steps and will also explore vegetation management and more. Safety equipment and tools will be provided by the Parks Department. The trail crew workshop series will include several Saturday work dates spanning until next spring at the 1,360 acre Keystone Ancient Forest.
"We are looking for 25-30 volunteers who are really excited about getting dirty, working hard and sharing in the positive vibe that comes from building trails", said Gerondale. "We'll be enjoying the camaraderie and fun that comes from working alongside new friends, but at the same time knowing that we're giving back to Oklahoma in this way, through this trail project."
At the end of this series, the parks department hopes that this group will evolve into a long-term volunteer program to help manage the growing forest trails system.
"We have over three miles of pedestrian hiking trails now," said Sand Springs Park Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards, "and we have plans to expand on that, beginning this fall. This trail
crew would play a vital role in the forest's success."
Last spring, both Edwards and Gerondale participated in the Professional Trail Builders Annual Conference and Workshop in Albuquerque, New Mexico and they hope to bring more trail building skills to Oklahoma.
This new trail crew effort hopes to mimic the successful Keystone Ancient Forest Trail Guides
Program- which has been in place for 6 years- helping host thousands of hikers at the forest.
The Keystone Ancient Forest was created in 2007 and is open monthly, offering hiking experiences along a 3 ½ mile series of trails. The forest on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 8am-2pm. The next hike is slated for Saturday, October 11th. Porta potty service is offered. No pets are allowed.
For more information, check out the City of Sand Springs website at www.sandspringsok.org.