Thanks Franklin!
For those on the 'ol Facey Space...
https://www.facebook.com/SeaviewTrails
I have a website for the project as well...
www.seaviewtrails.com I'll be updating this soon with sections for current trails, future trails, volunteering, input, who to bother etc.
So the park is owned and sort of managed by the Atlantic County Parks Dept. They mostly keep track of permits for hunters and field my emails regarding trees that need to be cut out when necessary. The county has already agreed to lease the land to Galloway Twp., where the park is located, at an incredible discount. The county executive called me and gave me his blessing so it's now on Galloway Twp. to make this happen.
Over a year ago we applied for a trails grant from NJ and were awarded this 24k grant a month or so ago. We're itching to get moving on this but need support from users to show that we're out here wanting this to get done. If you're like me, you'll drive an hour to go ride a nice trail system then go eat and drink at the closest watering hole. Luckily there are a number of spots to visit about .5mi from the park!
Feel free to contact Galloway twp mayor and city council. Let them know we're out here waiting to get this project going! We have a 24k grant and volunteers ready to make this happen at little to no cost to the county and township.
Mayor:
dpurdy@gtnj.org
Council:
Tony Coppola
acoppola@gtnj.org
Tom Bassford
tbassford@gtnj.org
Jim Gorman
jgorman@gtnj.org
Jim McElwee
jmcelwee@gtnj.org
Brian Tyrell
btyrrell@gtnj.org
Whitney Ullman
wullman@gtnj.org
I have been working with Tony Coppola for the past 2years and recently he, Jim McElwee and Brian Tyrell have been tasked with flushing this idea out (again). Our first of two proposals asked for 500k in open space funding to build a 2.5 crushed stone path for the average park visitor, a stacked loop single track trail system, a parking area and plenty of signage. These councilmen want to go back to this proposal and get the money since the county has put the ball in Galloway's court so to speak. That is our current situation.
We've had two resolutions passed that allow our crew to get in there but the county needs Galloway to take the project. This township has had a rough time with lawsuits in recent years and has been trying to steer clear of anything that could potentially pose a risk....or cost them anything to build.
What is so special about this 370 acre parcel you ask? It has some nice rolling terrain with a massive 50ft of elevation change! I race enduro and Super D so you'll understand that I'm joking here. On a serious note, the rolling terrain is unique for South Jersey as most people think the area is flat. We'll be able to start from an almost clean slate to design and build some flowy contour trails that everyone will enjoy. The location is very easy to get to from all points of NJ and like I mentioned, plenty of restaurants nearby for post ride grub.
What I've shown them over the years is that mountain bikers love to unite to clean and clear trails. After Sandy hit we had around 20 trees down blocking the current trails. Myself and a friend cleared a bunch then we guided a group of 14 volunteers from Shore Cycle Club and a mix of regular folk to walk the trails to clear the rest. It was a nice day to show the county that on short notice we generated 45hrs of volunteer time. Time that they didn't have to pay someone to do that work.
So I think that's about it in a nutshell. I feel we're close to getting this done but I thought that before. There is a meeting coming up next month that involves the councilmen that should give us an idea on where we stand with the open space funding from the county. I'll be sure to post that info when I get it.