This engaging course, led by Chris Pudzembny, designed for those interested in enhancing outdoor recreation through sustainable trail systems. Drawing from over 25 years of trail-building experience, Chris shares how to identify potential municipal facilities—such as city-owned lands, wastewater treatment plants, and undeveloped park areas—that trail builders can utilize to develop vibrant outdoor recreation opportunities in their communities. The session explores innovative strategies for funding trail-building efforts, including leveraging tax-deductible donations, event revenues, and community partnerships, as demonstrated by Six Pack Outdoors’ transformative work in the Texas Panhandle. Participants will gain practical insights into locating suitable sites, designing sustainable trails, and fostering community engagement to support long-term recreational and economic benefits.
This session explains how to identify potential municipal facilities that trail builders can utilize in developing outdoor recreation in their communities and discusses the strategies they use to fund their trail building efforts. Through real-world examples, such as the creation of the tarantula geoglyph trail and environmental restoration projects, attendees learn how to transform underutilized or neglected public spaces into valuable community assets. The course highlights the importance of collaboration with local governments, volunteer groups, and advocacy organizations to ensure trail systems are sustainable, accessible, and economically impactful. By examining Six Pack Outdoors’ success in hosting mountain bike races and community events, participants will discover unconventional approaches to funding and maintaining trail networks that enhance quality of life and promote cyclo-tourism.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover methods to collaborate with local stakeholders and secure long-term agreements to protect trail systems from redevelopment or closure.
- Identify types of municipal facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants and undeveloped city parks, that are suitable for trail system development in urban and suburban settings.
- Understand unconventional funding strategies, including tax-deductible donations, event-driven revenue, and partnerships, to support trail-building initiatives.
- Explore how to transform outdoor recreation in the Texas Panhandle through innovative trail design and community engagement.
- Learn techniques for sustainable trail design, including grade reversals and rolling contour trails, to minimize maintenance and enhance user experience.
