Cave
Creek on its way to becoming trail haven
by
Barry Cohen
CAVE CREEK - Some day, hikers, bicycle riders and equestrians may
be able to travel from the southern boundary of Cave Creek north
all the way into the Tonto National Forest on formal, legally established
trails.
But a journey of a million miles begins with the first step, so
the Town of Cave Creek is working on the initial phase of what could
be a 10 15 year project. The first phase will create a trail to
run parallel to Spur Cross Road between Grapevine and Fleming Springs
roads. Eventually the path will extend to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation
Area, a distance of about two miles.
"Cave Creek has about 30 miles of trails, but there's an important
difference between those that are 'legal' and the others,"
explains Bambi Muller, associate planner and trail coordinator with
the town. The distinction has only become important in the past
several years, as
residents-many new to the community-have objected to others traipsing
across their property.
Muller, a horse owner and Cave Creek resident, has ridden the trails
throughout Cave Creek for the past 15 years, and crossing private
property has never been a problem. "Today, we have more and
more people refusing access to their property for a variety of reasons,
ranging from privacy to liability concerns," she added. "The
town just needs to adjust to the times."
For the past year, Muller has worked on the trails plan with Stephen
Jurewicz, head of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Trails. Jurewicz,
a Cave Creek resident for two years and horse owner, said he and
Muller have gathered input on trails from the community and will
present their proposals at the April 3 town council meeting.
Easement and right of way issues aside, building a trail isn't as
simple as mapping out the path and unleashing the bulldozers. The
trail has to be designed to protect users from vehicular traffic.
A shared use primary trail also must have a maximum sustained grade
no greater than 10 percent, be three to four feet wide and be made
of compacted natural or 1/4 inch granite two inches deep. Moreover,
vegetation within six feet of the trail must be removed. Once the
specifications are finalized, the job must be opened to bid.
The cost of the first trail is yet to be determined, but the funds
are in the town budget, according to Muller, who noted that a percentage
of developers' fees goes to acquiring and building the town's trails.
A volunteer group led by the mayor's trails advisory committee will
help defray costs by flagging trails, removing brush and trimming
hedges.
The initial path will have a trail head at the midway point, thanks
to the generosity of resident Louie Majors. Majors has granted the
town an easement on a one acre parcel he owns just west of Spur
Cross Road between Yucca and Highland. There he plans to install
a parking lot, water troughs, hitching posts and picnic tables.
As additional trails are created and linked throughout Cave Creek,
some residents may be concerned about an influx of outsiders.
"Cave Creek will continue to be a magnet for those who enjoy
recreation," explained Larry Sahr, the town's senior planner.
"This goes along with living in a community that values open
space, recreation, and has a symbiotic relationship with the environment.
As long as the trails are managed properly, there shouldn't be a
problem. You can't close the doors behind you."
Muller said the trails should help bring the community together,
both literally and figuratively, and help promote better health
through recreation. She estimated that about 10 percent of Cave
Creek residents ride horses and a much higher percentage are bikers,
hikers and runners.
Tom Hulen, conservation director for the Desert Foothills Land Trust,
agreed with Muller that trails provide added value to the community.
"Every study I've seen shows that trail systems, open space,
washes and access to paths increase property values," he pointed
out.
Longer term, Muller would like to create a non motorized circulation
system that would connect to the Maricopa County Regional Trail
System. She is also looking to create an east west trail corridor
for equestrians so they could easily ride into town. |
