Planning an Exciting Year Ahead for the Trails

​​The changing of the weather often inspires reflection on the past season and ambitions for the one ahead. Platte River Trails did just that at our Strategic Planning meeting on October 9th. Board and staff members met at the West Fork Lodge on Casper Mountain to plan and organize for the One Cent #17 referendum on the ballot in November of 2022.

The strategic meeting provided an opportunity for PRTT board and staff to reaffirm our mission, participate as a group in board training and strategize near and longer-term trail projects. To stay aligned with our mission to develop a network of trails while preserving the scenic, natural, and historic value of the North Platte River, we reaffirmed our commitment to proper trail expansion and maintenance, as well as missing trail connections, which provide safe, non-motorized transportation and recreational opportunities in and around Casper.
 
While we understand that timing is everything and some projects will be ready to pursue before others, the meeting ensured that our board is aligned in our focus for the upcoming year and beyond. To that end, Platte River Trails considered these exciting upcoming projects:

• Wayfinding
• Waterfront Park
• Rail Trail to Edness Kimball Wilkins
• Trail extension into Wolf Creek Neighborhood
• Elkhorn Creek (Casper Rail Trail South to 12th St.
• Garden Creek Loop
• Knife River Ponds
• Phase III Mountain Road
• Trail Maintenance

Each of these projects was discussed with a focus on timing and feasibility, access to funding, and community support. In January 2022, staff and board members will begin sharing potential projects with the public and working with the city on prioritization.
 
In addition to One Cent and grant funding, community support has always been the backbone of the Platte River Trails. In addition to focusing on projects that are important to the community, the Platte River Trails seeks donations to support our efforts on an annual basis. This year’s Annual Giving Campaign will focus on a final fundraising push for the PV to Robertson Road pedestrian bridge. For information on how you can join our efforts in “bringing trails to YOU,” visit our Annual Fund page and stay tuned for the campaign release in November 2021.
 
After this successful strategic planning meeting, Platte River Trails staff and board are extremely excited for what the trails will bring to Casper in the future. To stay up-to-date on current events and projects visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.