(2-5 years): Figuring out whether there are enough cash resources, partners, and public desire for a proposed stretch of trail. How much does it cost? Each mile of trail averages between $800,000-$1.2 million.

(3-6 months): Let’s take a serious look at this proposed section, and determine whether there will be any obstacles. Is there a wetland, or a creek? Which side of the road will have the greatest benefit, and least impact? What is the grade? Are there resources like mature trees we’d like to work around? The partners in the project visit the site several times with engineering experts, to determine how best to create the new trail.

(6-12 months): Once the Pre-engineering decisions are made, experienced engineers will survey and create the construction plans or “blueprints” for the actual project, taking into consideration all of the questions addressed above.

(3-6 months): Projects that are being completed by municipalities and/or using public resources from local, state, and federal sources must follow statutes regarding open bidding for these projects.

(1-2 years): With a final plan and the funds in place, the partners can approach property owners to acquire the needed permission to proceed with the project. This includes the purchasing of right-of-way or donation by property owner, the granting of easements, and so forth.

(6-9 months): The construction phase includes relocating utilities as needed and installing the trail. Building a trail requires the same preliminary work as building a road.

(3-6 months): Once the trail construction is completed, the entire project gets a face lift, with fresh grass seedings, landscaping and trees as called for in the specific project, benches, signage, etc.