May 4, 2023 - Paul Reynolds
Introduction
The purpose of the meeting was to report on the activities of the TPBG over the past few years along with plans for the short- and longer-term trail improvement. The transition from a Committee to a formal Incorporated Club was explained as vitally important to ensure we obtain more participation of those who enjoy PippyPark/Three Pond Barrens (TPB) to continue winter grooming and trail improvements for the benefit of all users in the Pippy Park/TPB area..
Presentation
A power point presentation, provided an overview of TPBG development which included the annual Go Fund Me campaign which has raised approximately $45,000 for grooming equipment, maintenance, other equipment, operations and insurance. In the past two years the City of St. John’s has granted a total of $5,000. The initial $2,500 was used for insurance and preparation for the 2023 grooming season. In 2022 the Province granted $7,500 which was used to construct an introductory mountain biking trail. (Waterfalls Green Trail) The 2023 plan is to use the Province’s Active NL grant of $10,000 to extend last year’s work with the objective of building a green loop suitable for all season fatbike and non-suspension mountain bike use, while improving existing trails for multipurpose pursuits.
TPBG has an excellent working relationship with Pippy Park management. This relationship has facilitated TPBG to remove hundreds of blowdowns, conduct cleanups and improve trails in the Pippy/TPB area. The working relationship has been effective to communicate on other matters such as the need for additional parking in the Allandale road area.
TPBG principal purpose has been to groom trails for winter biking which have also been enjoyed by walkers, skiers, trail runners and snow shoers. The transition to year-round trail work is becoming increasingly important as Pippy is becoming a destination for many pursuits. Without improvements vegetation regeneration and poor drainage will be a detriment to the enjoyment of the Pippy/TPB.
TPBG has had a facebook for several years and in the winter of 2023 created a website. The website explains the work of TPBG, how to become a member, the promotion of Pippy/TPB as multiuse destination and a public forum which will be the place to go for the latest trail conditions. It allows people to become members at no charge along with the opportunity for people to identify the area of interest, such as trail work, grooming, planning, social media etc. where they would like to assist in the work of TPBG.
TPBG had a bank balance of approximately $7,000 at the end of April. Subsequently, $10,000 was received from the Province for trail development and $2,500 from the city for operations which, once again most of which will be used for insurance. Note. The City of St. John’s and Pyramid Construction made significant t contributions to the development of the Waterfalls Green Trail.
The presentation referred to the tremendous potential of the Pippy/TPB area for multi-use activities in the NE Avalon. Similar urban parks in the Maritimes have created active multi resource trails with considerable success and extensive public/private investment.
From Committee to a Formal Club
As explained, the Committee has made considerable progress in a short period of time. In the longer term we need an expanded membership to continue the work. We need to ensure we have a process to replace volunteers as they move on to other interests. TPBG has prepared a plan of the proposed structure, including a Terms of Reference. The next step is to encourage members to join the new club and to have a meeting to establish the new board.
NB If interested in becoming a volunteer you are encouraged to contact us directly by fb, messenger, personally or on our Website, which includes a brief list of the types of help of help we require.
Discussion
The following is an overview of the discussion following the presentations:
TPBG has a mandate to coordinate with other trail user groups with respect to trail development and maintenance. It was recommended TPBG should encourage other users to become members and contribute to trail operations. It was noted TPBG has received donations from all user groups.
More signage and maps of all trails would be useful
AMBA stated the need to cooperate for trail improvements in the NE Avalon. A few years ago AMBA established an off road biking committee. The Committees concluded an introductory mountain bilking trail was required. AMBA congratulated TPBG for constructing the trail in 2022.
AMBA recognized one of TPBG’s strengths was the support of Pippy Park to improve the trails, including signage.
It was acknowledged the various bike organizations need to work more closely together.
It was generally acknowledged it is sometimes difficult to attract volunteers. However, both AMBA and TPBG are volunteer groups, which have benefited from a high level of volunteerism. At the meeting there were offers to volunteer.
There was a discussion regarding alternatives for club relationships with Bicycle NL.(BNL.)
BNL updated the group on plans for the development of the trails for the Canada Games in 2025. BNL will provide a map of the proposed trail which at this point includes a portion of the Waterfalls Green Trail.
It was generally agreed the Canada Games trail could provide a legacy however, this is best accomplished with the input of all stakeholders. TPBG plans to proceed with trail improvements I 2023 with the aim of establishing a ~ 7-kilometre green trail. It was recognized if the Canada Games route could be designed to include some of the undeveloped loop, it would speed up the completion of the loop for all users. BNL was also asked who would be responsible to repair trails built by TPBG. eg. Waterfalls Green trail.
BNL explained the Grand Concourse will be involved in the Canada Games project and that volunteers would be asked to assist in the construction. The Canada Games Planning group is taking the lead in preparing the trails.
Next Steps
Develop a strategy to encourage more people to become members of TPBG and to participate in improving the trails. eg. trail days, direct contact, follow-up with individuals who have become members on the website. Participation in trail days would introduce people to the work of TPBG and perhaps best of all, provide enjoyable productive time in the TPB!
Determine an effective way to approach other user groups (eg. skiers, trail runners, walkers,) to attract members.
Ensure effective communication with club members and anyone interested in the Pippy/TPB area.
Initiate a planning process for a future meeting to elect a Board including committees for: snow grooming, trail development and social media.
Finalize plans for 2023 trail improvements. eg. complete improvements on Upper Wisdom and identify stretches of existing trails which could be improved and consolidated to become part of the Green Loop.
Identify opportunities to enhance relationships with other bike groups, notably AMBA, Richmond Hills.
Review the proposed plan for Canada Games trail. Determine if there is a role for TPBG in planning and developing the route and secondly, if/how the Canada Games Route will benefit biking and other uses in the future.
Conclusion
Thanks very much to the 19 people who attended the meeting and for your contributions before, during and after the meeting. This meeting identified necessary next steps to ensure the work of TPBG continues, including the participation of more people to plan and improve people’s enjoyment of the area. The community support of TPBG has included about 100 donors each year from a broad section of user groups. We have wonderful reasons to be optimistic for the future enjoyment of outdoor pursuits in Pippy Park/TPB.
May 8, 2023
TPBG
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