The city of Galesburg reached an agreement with a non-profit organization to create and maintain trails at Lake Storey.
City staff recommended the maintenance agreement with TRoLS Inc. for multi-use recreational trails at Lake Storey Park.
The organization has been maintaining off-path trails there since around 2015 and recently attained non-profit status.
The trails were closed in winter to establish insurance coverage with the organization for the city, because of concerns over alterations made to the trails. Per the agreement, TRoLS will now be responsible for insurance coverage and protection of the trails, while the city provides oversight of the operation.
Ward Six Council Member Sarah Davis supported the proposal.
"I know several Galesburg residents who enjoyed trail riding who were really disappointed with the trail closure. But we were able to recognize this is a conversation about safety, both the physical safety of the participants and the financial safety honestly,” Davis said.
Director of Parks and Recreation Elizabeth Varner called the trails an asset to the community.
"Moving forward, we are going to be working with TRoLS to get them open as soon as possible. But we do need to get this first part taken care of, get all the signatures, and all the lines dotted,” Varner said.
The city council approved the proposal unanimously.
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