Coming - New pavilion on Knox & Kane Rail Trail near Skywalk
The MJ2KB (Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge) Trail Club's Reorganizational Meeting adjoined the Regular Meeting last Thursday.
After the meeting, the Board of Directors met on the trail near the State Park to decide where the new 24' x 24" pavilion will be constructed which is now possible with a donation and two grants. A pavilion this size can accommodate large numbers of people and will be open for use by the public. Stroup said the idea is to provide shelter for those visiting the Kinzua Bridge State Park's Skywalk. It can also be used for recreation or attending events throughout the year.
Additionally, the Club hopes to have a concrete pad under the pavilion in the future if funding is acquired for it.
Events to be held at the new pavilion once it is built would be the sled dog mushing demonstrations, 5K and
Half Marathons, other races starting at the site, fundraising, and educational events supported by the club.
Already placed along the trail are shelters, benches, picnic tables, plants, and faces placed on trees to be spotted for "fun".
Additional bird boxes/houses will be added. Also, flower boxes and gardens will be started this spring. Donations of birdhouses, plants, and fertilizer are appreciated.
She said fundraising is one way the club receives money to keep up with maintenance on their 8-mile section of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail. Other means to gain funding are memberships, donations, and grants.
"This is why receiving your memberships and donations are so important to the success of providing the public with a wellgroomed trail," she stated. "Besides, the conditions of the trail, the club wants to showcase the aesthetics of the corridor which includes its fauna and foliage, interpretive signs with our area's rich history,” Club President Carolyn Stroup said.
The club's Vice-president, Ron Keim, said the board has set goals for the 2023 calendar year which will again be ambitious.
He talked about the pavilion and stated that it will host many events that are occurring such as the recent Sled Dogs of Smokey Hill's mushing demonstration, Wolf Creek Management-sponsored marathons, fundraisers, and nature walks.
The club plans to continue erecting fencing along the western part of the trail, trail maintenance, and beautification, Keim added.
The seven individuals met on Monday to solidify the Reorganizational Meeting with votes regarding the positions of president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and board members.
During the meeting, Club Member Karen Benson counted the ballots and announced the seven individuals with the most votes, Carolyn Stroup, Ken
Stroup, Ron Keim, Linda Rettger, Denny Rettger, Jack Forquer, and Matt Benson. Approved for another 2-year term are Carolyn Stroup for President, Ron Keim for Vice-president, Denis Rettger for Treasurer, and Linda Rettger for Secretary.
“We are looking forward to accomplishing more projects this year and to continue keeping the Knox & Kane Rail Trail the outstanding rail trail that it is,” Stroup said.
The MJ2KB'S section of the rail trail from Route 219 at Lantz
Corners to the Kinzua Bridge State Park's Skywalk is unique by allowing typical usage such as walking, running, biking, crosscountry skiing, but also snowmobiling in the winter and designated equine trails with directional signage. Riders have a rest area with a picnic table and a hitching rail to tie their horses to.
She added that snowmobile riding is allowed when the snow base has been formed and there are five to seven inches of snow on the trail. Horseback riding that is next to the trail is usable when the ground is firm.
Postings of the snow conditions are on the Club's Facebook page at MJ2KB Trail Club.
Horse trailer parking is located on Lindholm Road where there is a sign posted. You can also check the website at www.mj2kbtrail. club for a map with the location. Stroup said horse trailer parking may be available in the future near the trail on Hacker Street in Mount Jewett.