Trails Report by Parks Coble
REPAIRS COMPLETED ON THE TIERRA-WILLIAMSBURG TRAIL
We have just emerged from several weeks of snowy and cold weather of historic proportions. It is easy to forget that in the early part of the winter we had quite a stretch of nice weather. Because of this the repairs to the Tierra-Williamsburg Trail system were almost fully completed before the weather turned. That trail system runs through crowded neighborhoods with apartment complexes as well as homes. The trail is along a storm water drainage creek which has suffered numerous problems with erosion.
Using funds from the storm water bond issue which voters approved last year, the city was able to make repairs at five places along the trail. Starting on the north end near Tierra Park, a section of the trail in danger of collapsing was fixed.
On the south end where the Southpointe Trail intersects the Williamsburg Trail crumbling concrete was replaced. Not only do runners have a smoother, safer trail but the improved drainage will prevent standing water on the trail. Fewer wet socks after your run!
SALT CREEK TRAIL CLOSED JUST SOUTH OF VAN DORN
The stretch of the Salt Creek Levee Trail just south of Van Dorn and Park Street intersection (near Good Life Fitness) over to the Jamaica North Trail will be closed for several weeks while the levees are repaired. The Army Corp of Engineers has undertaken a project along the creek to repair damage from earlier floods. This breaks the connection between the Bison Trail and the Salt Creek Levee Trail although detours are available further north. “A” Street provides a connection between the two trails.
JAMAICA NORTH NEAR SALTILLO ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
If you run the Jamaica North from the Saltillo Road Trailhead you will recognize the photo with the orange fencing which seemed a permanent feature of the trail about one-half mile north of the trailhead. But in the next few weeks the crumbling wooden bridge structure will be replaced by concrete culverts which will also improve drainage next to the trail. This work should be complete by mid-summer. This stretch of the Jamaica North is likely to see greater use since it can now be reached via the GPTN Connector from the Rock Island Trail at Densmore Park.
THE JOYS OF WATCHING THE SNOW MELT
Lincoln had snowfall of historic levels in 2021. No one ever seems satisfied with the snow removal efforts of the city, but I personally felt Parks and Recreation did a remarkable job clearing the trails under the circumstances. I have been participating in the Trail-a-Thon with friends. This event was devised last year since so many running and biking events were canceled. It involved completing all of the trails in Lincoln over the year on your own with each month having a featured trail. The most difficult part of the event was organizing friends to find all of the trails, but it was a nice distraction during the pandemic. The featured trail for this February was the Helen Boosalis Trail along Highway 2. After plowing this was essentially running in a trench along huge piles of snow on each side.
As we warmed up near the end of the month it was fun to watch things emerge from the melting snow drifts. Okay maybe not the trash and dog poop. But it was nice to see the Helen Boosalis Marker suddenly reappear. Spring is on the way. If you would like to participate in the Trail-a-Thon you can still sign up on the GPTN website (GPTN.com).
IN THE WORKS
--Work continues on trail construction at the Spring Creek Prairie and Audubon Center.
--Plans are being developed for the Fletcher Landmark Trail from north 14th Street east to 27th St.
--Work will begin this summer for the underpass of the Salt Creek Levee Trail under the railroad tracks at J St. The start date is likely in August.
--The Oak Creek Trail has a section closed about one mile west of Valparaiso because of severe stream bank erosion. Repairs are forthcoming.
Special thanks to Sara Hartzell and Bobby Bartja at Lincoln Parks and Recreation for their assistance. See you on the trails!
