Memorial Park Mountain-Biking Trails Update
By Christina Case, President
Greater Houston Off-Road Biking Assoc.

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On Monday, October 7, GHORBA representatives met for two hours with Claire Caudill (MP Conservancy), Reid Morien (Chairman, Houston Parks Board), Roksan Okan-Vick (Parks Director), Trent Rondot (HPB), and Rick Dewees (MP Parks Director) concerning the trails at Memorial Park.  The meeting was held to clarify information and discuss options, concerns, and issues.

Oddly enough, the mountain biking community has not provided the most opposition to the master plan proposals.  The proposals have garnered many complaints from local residents and other  user groups.

A historical review of the situation from GHORBA's perspective was provided to Ms. Okan-Vick and to the members of the Houston Parks Board.  The HPB and others spoke of sensitivity of the ravines due to slope, soil type, and presence of jurisdictional headwaters (a Corps of Engineers definition for regulated tributary).  GHORBA reiterated that the trails are not built correctly to shed water, and that any corrections can be made to repair and stop the erosion damage.

Much of the discussion centered on sustainability of existing trails.  GHORBA requested that a comprehensive review of the trails be conducted rather than taking a broad-brush approach due to sensitivity of the area.

It was also requested that a maintenance/restoration plan be created and volunteers be allowed to make the necessary corrections to the trails. IMBA standards will be employed on the existing trails and any new trails - park representatives will likely hold us to this standard.  This may mean that some reroutes will need to occur to ensure sustainability of existing trails.  GHORBA requested that an IMBA trail consultant be brought in to help conduct this review and to provide recommendations to GHORBA and to the Conservancy/Parks Dept. for future work projects.  GHORBA may assist in paying for this service.

Results: The next Master Plan meeting will either occur in December or in January (due to the holidays).

Parks representatives stated that the existing trails were not slated to be closed.  GHORBA respectfully reminded them that all three maps showed the existing trails disappearing and that the consultants' demeanor during the presentation and during subsequent discussions showed bias against mountain biking.

The proposed new perimeter loop is not to be constructed as an improved surface trail, but it will still basically be flat.  Parks representatives see this trail as a pathway to get to additional trails.

There will be NO net loss in mileage or in level of difficulty; meaning should one trail close, additional equivalent mileage will be found elsewhere in the park.

Additional trails may be built in the area called the Triangle in the northwest corner of the park.  GHORBA was clear that the existing polo pony exertrail would not be considered mountain biking-type trail, but some of the existing trails in the middle of the exertrail loop would qualify.

GHORBA wants to see the plan, as it concerns the trail system, provide more explicit details before it goes to vote by council.  This would mean trails would be shown on the map, not just a statement that indicates the possibility of such trails.

Better communication with GHORBA on the plan is promised and expected. The Connection Trail does not appear on the maps and won't.  The Conservancy still does not see a sustainable way to traverse Slick Rock.

GHORBA requested formalizing and streamlining the maintenance approval process similar to what is done with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

GHORBA requested, again, that a trail committee be formed to discuss any trail issues in the park.

Also notable:  Harris County Flood Control has purchased 40 acres along Cypress Creek, most likely in the area of the Cypresswood Trails.  It was recommended that GHORBA contact HCFC to determine the possibility of legitimizing the trails on this property or building new trails if this is not the same property.

GHORBA discussed the 600-acre property along Green's Bayou just east of 59N  (at East Mount Houston Rd) and our meetings with HCFC concerning possible bike and equestrian trails on this property.  Ms. Okan-Vick stated that she would be willing to write a letter to help the process along and to speak to others about finding additional locations for trails.  GHORBA reiterated that trails can be built with donated materials and volunteers and that a large outlay of funding is not required (as is required with the Hill at Simms Bayou).  Additional trail mileage will help relieve stress on the trails at MP and provide much-needed access in Houston.