Photo Gallery: Mt. Helix Park Cleanup and Trail Cutting

Fresh air, sunshine, a spectacular 360-degree view and happy volunteers all came together atop Mount Helix Saturday to work on the construction of the first scenic walking trail “through” and around the park.

Inspiration for the trails came from Miles Stepich, the “mayor of Mount Helix,” who passed away leaving a memorial trail fund. He always said Mount Helix needed a few scenic trails allowing visitors to get off the road and amphitheater to experience the natural habitat of the mountain, with its many plants, butterflies, birds, boulders and views.

The trail is a quarter of a mile in length, starting at one side of the amphitheater and working its way around the front of the mountain. There are plans to have three rest stops along the trail with sitting benches and interpretive signage of the scenic views.

Project coordinators are John Mead and Jeff Safford, both longtime volunteers. Trail benches and the rest area construction are Eagle Scout projects. Corrugados, a company based out of Mexico, generously donated $6,000 to pay for the interpretive signage. Once the sitting areas and trail are constructed, decomposed granite will be laid down to reduce erosion. The Miles Stepich Memorial Trail Fund will cover the balance of the expenses.

“It is so exciting to be part of Mount Helix Park,” said Executive Director Tracey Stotz. “The Board is constantly working to make the park a peaceful, safe haven in our crazy world. The new park trail is just one more way we are trying to ensure we are meeting the needs of area residents.”

Stotz invites everyone to come up to the park to experience its magical inspiration and views. Those interested in joining the Mt. Helix Park Foundation can do so on their website.