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April 9, 2009

Equestrians work to improve lake trails

Courtney Crauthers

EDMOND — For one group of women, the equestrian trails at Arcadia Lake are a vast land of trash — tires, beer cans and even a broken television set — that threatens the beauty of the lake’s natural scenery and the safety of horses. However, the women see the potential of the trail and want to rescue it from its current condition.

That is why they have created “Friends of Arcadia Lake Equestrian Trails” to promote the improvement of the trails, as well as surrounding areas. Terri Folks, founder of the group, said every lake usually has a group that forms and volunteers to take care of trail upkeep.

“The purpose of the group is to save the Equestrian Trails and to ensure their future and make improvements and act as partners to the city, the park staff and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help plan, maintain and hopefully add more trails,” Folks said. “It takes a group of dedicated people. We’re willing to volunteer. We’re willing to do sweat equity.”

The Equestrian Trails is 3 miles long for a total ride of 6 miles round-trip. The trails were built as part of a pilot program several years ago, but the new organization wants a larger, improved and more permanent trail system.

Folks said the group started two weeks ago and 25 people already have joined. Several members of the group picked up trash on the trail Wednesday. As they worked, a few riders passed by thanking the ladies for their contributions. Folks said in order to really get the area clean they either need machinery or a total of 1,000 volunteers.

Steve Commons, assistant city manager, said in future meetings, the city will discuss some of the group’s concerns and how they can improve the area.

“The thing that has never been done is say, ‘OK, this is a permanent thing now,’” Commons said.

He said one of the things he would like to look at is the location of the equestrian trails parking lot.

“I think there may be better places,” he said.

The organization pointed out that Bell Cow Lake in Chandler, which is similar in size to Arcadia, has campgrounds, showers, bathrooms, pavilions, fire pits and picnic tables available for use by equestrians. Phyllis Dragus, a Luther resident, said Arcadia Lake does have all these things, but according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Title 36, livestock is prohibited in park areas.

In response to the ladies’ request for a restroom, the city did recently install a portable toilet in the equestrian parking lot. Folks said they were thrilled at this addition because the city listened to their concerns and responded.

Commons said while Title 36 does prevent the city from allowing horses in park areas, they might be able to find a place nearby where people could tie their horses up and walk a short distance to a park restroom.

The lake admission is another concern. Folks said admission at Bell Cow Lake is $2 per vehicle for a day ride, while the admission at Arcadia is $4 per person. Not only is Bell Cow cheaper, but it also offers more than 30 miles of trails, the organization said.

Dragus, who owns Angels Way Guest Ranch in Guthrie, said she would love to bring her guests to Arcadia Lake to ride. However, she takes them to Chandler because Arcadia’s trail is in such poor condition.

Wendy Hanson, an equestrian, said what they enjoy about riding at Arcadia versus going to another lake is its location, making it more convenient if they only have a small amount of time to come out and ride.

Lesa Ferster said every time the Lazy E Arena has a big event, cowboys always are looking for a place to camp out with their horses. She said, however, that Arcadia Lake does not have campgrounds that allow horses.

“This could be such a moneymaker for Edmond,” Ferster said.

Folks said the organization is willing to assist the city in looking for grants and other funding needed to improve the trails.

“With the closeness this is to I-35, it would be busy if it was developed,” she said.



FOR MORE information about Friends of the Arcadia Lake Equestrian Trails, visit sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FriendsOfArcadiaLakeEquestrianTrails/.

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Equestrians work to improve lake trails
by Courtney Crauthers , , Thu Apr 09, 2009, 11:17 PM CDT
Local News
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