Dedicated parking is happening!

We are very excited to share an update on the largest ask of the team since starting Riverbend Trails at Gardiner Park. How can we extend the hours of availability? When we started we knew parking would be limited to the hours that the Transfer Station was open. This was an acceptable trade off. We had to start somewhere and prove the viability of the project and the desire for people to use the trails. Over time, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and partners at the Town of Gardiner, we got the trails in great shape. Word spread and usage increased. We even held an amazing Dump Run 5k/10k at Riverbend Trails. If you build it they will come. Well we built it and people came. People started to ask for more access. It was time to find a solution to meet the need. 

After some quick rounds of brainstorming, site visits and discussions with the Town of Gardiner Town Board, Town of Gardiner Parks and Rec and Town of Gardiner Highway Department we had a plan. The Highway Department used a slowdown in snow removal needs to clear and build a new parking lot.The location being at the end of the T of Steve’s Lane just to the side of the Transfer Station gate. Building the lot was a very heavy lift that we are tremendously thankful to the Highway Department team and P E Colucci Excavating. Upon completion of the new lot it was time to build a new connector trail to get to the main trail kiosk. Thanks to the efforts of a small army of volunteers we are happy to say that is well underway. Completion should be weeks away allowing the lot to officially open. Once open Riverbend Trails will be accessible dawn to dusk seven days a week! Stay tuned for the new parking openning announcement. 

We are very thankful to all the trail users, supporters, volunteers and partners. You all make it clear this is a worthwhile effort.