Trail News

Carl Barton Jr. Park

GHORBA is pleased to announce the establishment of a new trail system at Carl Barton Jr. Park in Conroe, following signing of an agreement with the City of Conroe. Construction of the first three (3) mile section is planned for Summer 2006. The trails will be laid out in over 200 acres of pine forest surrounding the developed areas of the park. There is scope for construction of up to 10 miles of trail when completed. Unlike many Houston area trails, the land has contour. Professional trail builders Ryan Spates and Susan Stormer, a.k.a. the “Texas Trail Docs”, will design the first three (3) mile section. The trails will be designated as “multi-use”, but they will be built to IMBA standards from a clean slate, and we expect that Ryan and Susan will deliver some sweet single-track.

The establishment of the agreement between GHORBA and the City of Conroe is a text-book example of how new trails can be built in the Greater Houston area. The project started in November 2005 when Gary Rogers, a wrench at Bike Barn (Champions) said to regular customer, and VP-Trails of GHORBA, Kevin Highfield, “Hey Kev, I know a place where we could build some great trails”. “Tell me more”, says Kevin. Gary explained about the extensive area of woodland surrounding Carl Barton Jr. park. Gary had “inside” knowledge, since he used to work for Conroe Parks department, and knew the park managers. So, Kevin supplied sample agreements and told Gary to chat with his former employers about what we could do. Gary did and quickly reported back that the park managers were interested. So, Kevin arranged a meeting with the park manager Mike Riggens and his colleagues, the Texas Trail Docs, GHORBA President Mike Lutomski and Gary. Together, they walked the property and left the meeting with a clear objective to develop a trail construction and maintenance agreement.

Kevin drafted an agreement, which was a simplified version of earlier drafts prepared for Memorial Park and other venues. The City reviewed and responded with suggested changes. A couple more drafts, and both sides were happy with an agreement which is both simple and effective.

In order to construct the first section of trail, GHORBA are arranging for the Trail Docs to hold a trail building clinic at the park. As the practical part of the course, volunteers will construct the first section of trail. GHORBA will invite a diverse group of people to the trail building clinic – local park employees, members of other interest groups (hikers, runners, adventure racers, environmental groups and local citizens).

Gary first came to us with his idea in November 2005. The agreement was approved by Conroe City Council on May 25th; Ryan and Susan will mark the first section June 5 – 7, construction will begin as soon as we arrange the trail building clinic. Construction of the second phase, beyond the first three miles, will be subject to the success of the first section – we’ll be working to get that done just as soon as we can.

Thanks are due to Gary for the idea in the first place and Bike Barn for giving him time off to attend meetings. We hope there are more park managers around like Mike Riggens, who quickly and enthusiastically supported the project.

Watch for news of progress on this, and other projects we have in the works.

Happy Trails!
Kevin Highfield
VP of Trails

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  1. This is such good news! I am thrilled about a new trail with a bit of relief so close to home. Good work, Ghorba. Here is something to be aware of, however: the Woodlands Cycling Club has recently had to stop using this park for road rides because cars kept getting broken into while we were out riding. Hopefully the security situation will improve. steve

    By: Steve Crews
    Jun 26