"The future looks bright": Greenbelt Task Force plans future projects

For the past three decades, the Green River Greenbelt Task Force has been hard at work to develop the greenbelt, protect the river and wildlife, and continually promote further economic development. The task force was able to complete multiple projects last year, and has even more planned for the future.

"We've been working together to enrich the lives of the residents," said John Freeman, the Chairman of the Greenbelt Task Force. "If you look at what we've built in the last 34 years, I think that everybody has the ability to be proud. When we put the initial master plan together, we thought that that would take 30 years, and we did it in less than 10. And now we have a new master plan and we're going forward and projects are falling right in line."

Freeman and the task force have been sharing updates on recent progress and plans for the future, including during a presentation Freeman gave to the Green River City Council during their February 20 meeting, as well as the task force's most recent newsletter and a tour Freeman gave for the Star.

The task force reported having a good year in 2023, with several projects taking place. The opening of the new dog park and the addition of the "Patches" statue was a success after years of work, and the result of partnerships between multiple groups. During the summer, major maintenance was done to asphalt trails along the greenbelt in the form of crack repairs and sealing. Most recently, a new solar light was added along the Greenbelt along the U.P. Loop Trail.

One of the biggest projects completed last year was a bank stabilization project done by Trout Unlimited. The project took place along the Green River in the area of Scotts Bottom and FMC Park. Over time the river had eroded the bank and the trail, so Trout Unlimited worked to put rocks and recycled concrete and logs in place to push the water back to its original location. This project also helped create more fish habitat within city limits.

The Greenbelt Task Force also spent much of last year getting projects ready for construction this year, according to the task force newsletter.

One of the biggest projects the task force hopes to complete this year is the construction of the Skyline Trail. The plan is to build a trail that begins on Upland Way, goes up South Hill, proceeds along the ridge, and then drops down behind the Western Wyoming Community College Green River Campus. The goal is to have a seven-foot wide, multi-use pathway that is handicap accessible.

"The trail is for everybody," Freeman explained.

Although the Greenbelt Task Force was rejected for the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Grant they applied for, Task Force Member Tom Wilson worked hard to find other sources of funding. The task force was awarded $100,000 from the Dustin Shillcox Foundation for greenbelt projects aimed to provide more opportunities for people with physical limitations. Freeman explained that 75% of which will be used to build the trail, and some of it has been used for other parts of the process related to getting approval for the trail. William H. Smith Engineering has volunteered to do the drawings and engineering for the trail at cost, and Searle Brothers Construction has volunteered to build the trail for the cost of fuel and consumables. This is about a two-thirds reduction to their normal charges, the task force newsletter explained, and Freeman noted that the partnership will allow Searle Brothers to use the project as training for their employees. Freeman hopes the Skyline Trail can begin construction next month.

Other projects the task force hopes to work on this year already have funding lined up.

The Kourbelas Foundation has donated $50,000 to be used for upgrades to the dog park, such as shade features and benches to make it more user-friendly for the humans bringing their dogs.

The Sweetwater County Library Foundation allotted $10,000 to develop a story walk, which puts displays with pages of a children's book along a trail so kids and families can read the book as they walk. The book will also be changed out by library staff on a regular basis, the newsletter explained.

The Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Recreation District provided a $10,000 grant for additional lighting along the greenbelt. Freeman explained that some of the task force members disagree on whether to light the entire greenbelt or to leave portions unlit so people can walk in the moonlight, but there will likely be both lit and unlit portions. He said they have worked with Game and Fish to note certain areas that would be good to leave unlit for wildlife, but they have also determined areas that could have more lighting, including around pavilions and entrances to the greenbelt. Originally the task force thought they might only install a couple of lights, but with donations Freeman believes there's a possibility they could install around 30.

Other future projects the task force hopes to work on include a second part of the bank stabilization project by Trout Unlimited, continued maintenance on trails and signage, restoration and rebuilding projects for Riverside Park, and construction to help repair the Killdeer Wetlands.

While many projects have funds coming in already, more funds are always needed to make all the Greenbelt Task Force plans into a reality.

"We need money, bottom line," Freeman told the City Council. "The more we have, the more opportunities we have."

About 80% of what's been produced in the Greenbelt corridor has been funded by donations, grants, and volunteer labor, according to Freeman. The task force also works together with the City of Green River for funding, and Freeman said it is one of the best public/private partnerships in the state.

While there is always more to be done, the Greenbelt Task Force is excited about everything that is underway.

"The future looks bright," Freeman said. "If nothing goes wrong, over $1.5 million of improvements should be done on the Greenbelt project during this construction season."