‘Trail Trekkers’ wanted to patrol Fayetteville’s trail system armed with day packs and reflective vests

Brad Dutton, left, and Tiffany Gauke.

By Christopher Spencer
Ozarks Unbound

FAYETTEVILLE — The city wants a few brave men and women and children – families even –  to keep an eye on the Fayetteville trail system and make sure everything remains safe.

Tiffany Gauke and Brad Dutton, the city’s recreation programs managers, told members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board tonight about a new ‘Trail Trekker’ program the pair want to launch with volunteer support.

Trail Trekkers will be trained in trail ettiquette, first aid, minor bicycle repair, orienteering and conflict resolution, Dutton told the committee. They will also log what they see during their patrols on the trail and report problem areas through a city Web site.

Upon completion of the training program, Trail Trekkers will be issued day packs containing water, first aid equipment, trail maps and other needed equipment. A reflective vest will also be issued, Dutton said.

Those interested in the program should attend a preliminary meeting  at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 12 at the Walker Room in the Fayetteville Public Library.

Dutton said the program was less about warding off possible crime on the trails and more about warning bicyclists about dangerous speeds and modeling good trail conduct.

Botanical Garden raises money

About $10,000 has been raised recently through the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks‘ Growing Circles program. Ten sponsors stepped forward and that money will be joined with about $32,000 in previous donations, said Walt Eilers, who serves on the gardens’ board of directors as vice president.

The garden is trying to make up a $60,000 shortfall in funding rather than approach the Fayetteville advertising and promotions committee for money, Eilers said.

A full-time staff member at the garden and two part-time employees were recently laid off because of a 20 percent drop in donations this year. The Totemeier Center is also being rented now for $200 in an effort to bring in more wedding and reception revenue.

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