Ben Hawes }{ Central

[kylekirkman]

Thread for up coming rides at Ben Hawes (if it's still open) I'll call Breck's.

[marshall]

any word on if it's still open or not?

[ricdix]

Sorry guys/gals..... the bad news is - Ben Hawes/Rudy Mines remains closed. There's been several delays with FEMA and the miles of red tape in Frankfort. There's talk of clearing the double track and fire roads in the very near future. (great for beginners) However, there may not be enough FEMA money to pay a contractor to clear the single-track. To make matters worse, they will not allow volunteers to clear the trail for safety concerns. Hopefully, we can work something out soon.
The good news - Last winter we submitted a $50,000.00 Recreational Trail Grant. Ironically, it was mailed just days before the ice storm. It was recently announced that we've been awarded the Grant. As you may already know, the RPT Grant Program is the same type of grant the HMBA crew used to build many of the great Indiana State Park trail systems.
While 2009 has been and continues to be a great disappointment, the potential for 2010 is very exciting.

Take Care,
Richard

[Tim]

First off... WELCOME to the forum.

Thanks for the heads up, I will update the site with the info you have provided. Too bad though, it's one of the closer trails.

Gotta love the politics involved.

Thanks again!!

[ricdix]

Six months after the ice storm and the "Park Closed" sign has finally been removed. However, large portions of the double track trails are still blocked with fallen trees. The single-track remains untouched and is completely overgrown. The only sections clean and clear are the open grassy mowed paths. Not worth a visit in my opinion.

[Tim]

From what you told me before, there are too many politics involved in that little project.
good lord, a few good men, a waiver, some rakes and wow...... trails.

Some things just get so complex when they don't need to be, just blows my mind.

[ricdix]

Yes there's too many politics involved with the State Parks. Its very inefficient and very frustrating.
However, the clean up after the ice storm is no little project. I tried to hike it two weeks after the storm. In the dead of the winter I still got lost from all the tree tops on the ground. A rake is completely useless. The place looks like a bomb went off.
When we begin working on the trails this fall/winter it will be like starting all over agian.

[Tim]

Has anyone heard anything on this trail.
I'm assuming it's still closed from last years ice storm damage.

[ricdix]

Yes and no. Double track is open. Single track is buried and overgrown.
We're still waiting for someone in DC to sign the MOA and release 2009 RTP Grant Monies.
Back in December and early January we were able to shoot grades and flag some corridor. We began clearing storm damage but snow cover kept us out of the woods for several weeks. We've also encountered further delays with the sale of the property. The Kentucky Dept of Parks is selling the land to the City of Owensboro. This will become an Owensboro City Park.... the title transfer should take place very soon. We're trying to schedule another meeting with city officials. Unfortunately for now, were stuck in a hold pattern. We'll be lucky to get an out and back opened for the summer months and complete the project next fall.

[ricdix]

Who: You.
What: Help save/create a trail.
When: Now.
Where: Ben Hawes Park - Owensboro, KY.
Why: Because things have gotten silly.
How: Spare a few minutes of your time to send an email.

Back in 2005 local volunteers began developing and maintaining multi-use single-track trails at Ben Hawes Park in Owensboro, Ky. Over the course of the last few years an initiative was started to improve the quality by creating a flowy, sustainable, contour, gateway trail that adheres to the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) standards. In the fall/winter of 2008 we submitted a Recreational Trials Program (RTP) Grant to help obtain this goal. Shortly thereafter the park was closed as a result of the devastating 2009 Ice Storm.
The single-track trails remain closed to this very day. Some fire road and double track trails have been reopened. However, these trails do not meet the needs and desires of the user groups.

Meanwhile, Ben Hawes was identified as a successful 2009 RTP Grant recipient, Unfortunately, the grant project has been plagued with multiple challenges, has been bogged down with red tape and has experienced several delays by our Federal, State and City Governments.
In the last couple of months the project appeared to be gaining momentum and heading in the right direction until this latest issue.....

There's a clause in the Kentucky RTP Grant terms and conditions stating that the recipient is obligated to keep the trails open for public use in perpetuity (forever). Owensboro's management team has determined that this obligation is not in the City's best interest and will not be going forward with the grant. The City of Owensboro is not willing to accept these funds until an official long term plan has been established. (Evidently, there's a slight chance that the city could potentially develop the property. In the event the land would not be used for recreational purposes.)

Fortunately, The Parks Director believes in this project and is developing an alternate plan to continue with the project in house without the assistance of the grant. If approved, this alternate plan will take much longer delaying the project for at least another full season. That would make three years without our local trail. This is unacceptable. Trial construction season is upon us. We must act now and we need your help.

I respectfully ask that you spare a minute of your valuable time to call and/or write our Owensboro City decision makers. Tactfully voice your opinion and kindly explain how important it is that this project be given a higher priority.
You might express how much you miss it or let the know that you would visit Owensboro more often if there was a quality trail. Explain, how tired you are of traveling two hours away to hike or bike the nearest quality trail system. I don't care if you tell them how much you hated it but it was better than nothing. Just tell them something.

Lets not allow countless volunteer hours and years of advocacy efforts go to waste.

We need your help and we need it now! Please call or email the following:

Mayor Ron Payne
E-Mail Address: [e-mail]
Phone Number: 270-687-8561

Mayor Pro-Tem Charlie Castlen
E-Mail Address: [e-mail]
Phone Number: 270-687-8566

Commissioner John Kazlauskas
E-Mail Address: [e-mail]
Phone Number: 270-687-8563

Commissioner Candance Brake
E-Mail Address: [e-mail]
Phone Number: 270-687-8565

Commissioner David Johnson
E-Mail Address: [e-mail]
Phone Number: 270-687-8564

www.owensboro.org/government/contact/officials


Thank you,
Richard Dixon
270/852-3747

[ricdix]

I'd like to thank those of you who have taken the time to respond.

You'll be happy to know that the city is working to develop an alternate plan as we speak. This alternate plan will require a City Commissioners vote. We must receive their vote of approval. Therefore, I'd like to encourage everyone that is considering writing a response to our City Leaders to do so immediately.

The timeliness of the project is critical. Its important that we begin construction as quickly as possible as the prime trail building season is now through mid January. Your response will help the city approve projects and priorities schedules. If they don't hear from you then they may not consider it as important as the next item on the list.

Also, keep in mind that the delays at the Federal and State levels has nothing to do with the City of Owensboro. As frustrated as we may be, it will only reflect poorly on our group if we use this opportunity to vent. Please try to respond in a professional manner.

It doesn't have to be anything long or elaborate. Just a quick little note letting them know how much this means to our community.

Thanks for all the help! Fingers crossed.
Richard

[freerideco]

I sent an email to all of the officials yesterday and Candance Brake said "I will certainly support the trails at the park." Good luck guys!

[Tim]

I will definately voice my concerns, Thanks for taking a stand

[ricdix]

The Owensboro City Commission has officially approved the funding to construct approximately 6-7 miles of sweat single track!
The preliminary design is on the ground. We'll be contracting with a PTBA member to approve the layout and train city employees and local volunteers on proper trail construction.
Thanks to everyone for all the help and support along the way. Soon we'll be digging in the dirt!

[daniel240]

That is great news. I'm glad it's all working out.