2010 RIVER'S EDGE TRAIL PROGRESS

After 15 years of discussions, the owners of south shore lands between Cochrane Dam and Box Elder Creek agreed to provide trail easements through their lands.

Trail donors helped secure the first phase of these easements, between Cochrane Dam and Ryan Dam late in 2009.

A generous $50,000 gift from Zander Blewett secured phase two, between Ryan and Box Elder Creek, early in 2010.

It is exciting to extend River's Edge Trail along the south shore through this awesome country.

This year River's Edge Trail was a venue for the Crop Walk, Luminaria Walk, Get Fit Great Falls National Trails Day Hike, Black Eagle Dam Run, annual Riverview Elementary Bike Ride to Crooked Falls, Harvest Thunder Triathlon...

...Kickin'1/2 Marathon and 10K, Moonlight Run, What Women Want Fun Run, Save the Ta-Tas Run and Burn the Bird.  CMR Cross Country runners use River's Edge Trail for training and races and it is used for many group rides organized by the Great Falls Bicycle Club.

Thanks to 10+ years of persistent effort led by the City Planning staff, trail linkage between Garden Home Park and West Bank Park became a reality in late 2010.

The new concrete Bay Drive Trail now provides a safe and scenic underpass of busy Central Ave W.  The southern phase of the project, including the BNSF underpass was completed in 2009.

Designed by Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, the project was built with ARRA stimulus funds.  The City, TD&H Engineering and contractor Talcott Construction worked closely to fine tune the project. 

Talcott Construction did a masterful job overcoming many challenges to creat this beautiful stretch of trail.  Native grasses, vines and trees will be added before a dedication ceremony this spring.  The Bay Drive Trail has set a new standard of excellence for River's Edge Trail.

Using a State Recreational Trails Program Grant, a grant from the Park Trust Fund, and donations from trail supporters, RTI paved the trail along Overlook Drive and up through Warden Park.  This trail segment offers wonderful panoramic views.

This project extends River's Edge Trail to the Prospect Heights neighborhoods and the 13th Ave S trailhead parking area , which was also paved.

RTI worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Park Trust Fund and many community donors to create a trailside gazebo atop Warden Park.

It was built by Habitat volunteers and members of the Tucker family in memory of Earl B.Tucker, a long-time Habitat volunteer, and Dr. Bill Labunetz.  A public telescope and binoculars and some landscaping will be installed prior to the dedication ceremony next spring.

Using a PPL Montana River Fund grant, RTI and FWP paved over the imbedded railroad track section in the road near its merge with the trail to Black Eagle Memorial Island.  This is one of several safety improvements made along River's Edge Trail in 2010.

The Great Falls Bicycle Club, working with Giant Springs State Park, made huge progress this year designing, building and signing challenging single-track trails along the south shore, including Mayhem Trail and Lost Fork Trail.  This 10 mile stretch of riverfront is poised for mountain bike tourism, and fun for all of us too.

RTI helped coordinate the placement of some great trailside art this year.  "Lewis, Clark & Sacagawea" was created by Mike Woods and donated by the Leadership Great Falls Class of 2009-2010.

"Rainboffolo" was created by Chris Miller and donated by Tina Schott and Peter Horst.

"Crop Circles," a steel, concrete and rock creation by Mike Hollern, was donated and installed by the artist.