The College of the Rockies’ (COTR) Cranbrook Community Forest Trail Enhancement project is complete after work started earlier this year.
The college worked on the project in collaboration with the Cranbrook Community Forest Society and other groups.
The project included a number of improvements, including a designated college trailhead, a bike washing station, a rejuvenated multi-use track and a mountain bike flow trail.
College officials said the new section of trail and improvements to existing ones were built near the running track and student housing.
“With the completion of our latest student housing project, we were committed to rejuvenating surrounding multi-use trails on College land,” said Allan Knibbs, Director, Facilities. “We’re thrilled to see this project coming to a close and hope community members and visitors to our region enjoy the new and improved trails this summer and into the future.”
Work on the project began in the early spring of this year and was completed on June 22, 2022. more signs will be installed at the trail entrance in the next few weeks.
“We were excited about this project from when we were first contacted,” said Jeff Cook, head of Operations for Lifetime Outdoor. “It’s really great to see a flow trail like this one added to Cranbrook’s amazing selection of trails. There’s something fun for everyone and we hope the community enjoys it.”
College staff said the project had significant support from the community.
“A Giving Tuesday campaign was launched in December 2020 with the College committing to match donations up to a total of $50,000. Over the course of the fundraising campaign, which concluded on April 30, 2021, 105 donations totalling $130,751 were received, far surpassing the $100,000 goal. The top contribution during the campaign was from the College of the Rockies’ Students’ Association in the amount of $5,000,” said College officials.
