Volunteers Build Mountain Biking Trails at Anderson Rangeline Preserve

This is an official press release from the City of Anderson. I went this morning to work on some trails. It should be a very exciting addition to Anderson, Madison County and East Central Indiana.  It's one more area of recreation to get people thinking about healthy living without too much strenuous work. From the Press Release posted: 1/27/2006 9:23:03 AM
Mayor Kevin S. Smith and representatives of the Anderson Department of Parks and Recreation, the Hoosier Mountain Biking Association and Do Indiana Off-road will unveil plans to create a series of mountain biking trails with the city of Anderson's Rangeline Nature Preserve, Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 9 a.m. The park is located at 1200 South Rangeline Road.
Following the announcement, volunteers will work throughout the day to construct the trails.
From I-69, Exit 26, travel north on Scatterfield Road to Mounds Road (S.R. 232). Turn north from Mounds Road onto Rangeline Road. Travel north on Rangeline to White River Bridge. Entrance to Rangeline Nature Preserve is located north of White River on the west side of Rangeline Road.  
The Rangeline Nature Preserve in Anderson will be the new site for mountain biking, a much-anticipated recreational opportunity. But first the trails must be built and volunteers are invited to participate in a work day Saturday, January 28, beginning at 9 a.m. The park is located on Rangeline Road on the east side of Anderson, just north of the White River Bridge (1200 S. Rangeline Road).  
City officials and Do INdiana Off-road (DINO), in conjunction with Hoosier Mountain Biking Association (HMBA), have collaborated for Rangeline Nature Preserve to be the site of their next project.  DINO and HMBA members, as well as local volunteers, will layout and construct the mountain biking trails at no cost to the City.  The plans call for routes ranging in intensity from beginners to intermediate to advanced.  The Preserve displays a wide variety of vegetation, topography and water amenities, enhancing the overall mountain biking experience.  The Preserve is also enjoyed by fisherman, joggers, and nature enthusiasts.  Doug Zook, Parks and  Recreation Superintendent, states "this will be a fabulous addition to the Preserve and for our community".
"DINO is Indiana's largest organizer of mountain bike races, trail running (footraces), and other off-road endurance events, and to have such an established organization involved reaffirms Anderson's assets and potential," noted Katie Goar, Community Development & Long Range Planning Director.  "The trail is also another feature identified last fall in a series of public meetings relating to the newly adopted Comprehensive Plan as being valuable."
Brian Holzhausen, DINO Director, "I believe this trail will be a great asset to Anderson and surrounding areas. In other locations, we have seen many lifestyles change as a result of folks discovering this new sport.  Mountain biking is a healthy, and relatively safe, activity that can provide many years of enjoyment and exercise. In addition, a well-designed trail will draw riders from surrounding areas, adding to tourism dollars in Anderson. We applaud the City for taking such an active pursuit of mountain biking and developing these trails".
The Vulcan Materials Company used this property for gravel and sand extraction.  In 1993, once the company ceased operations, 119 acres of land was donated to the city of Anderson. The only stipulation was that it must be used as a public recreation facility.  The City in turn purchased another 53 acres.  The 173 acres offers unique recreational opportunities - mountain biking is just one.  On Labor Day weekend 2004, Mayor Kevin S. Smith officially opened the Rangeline Nature Preserve.  "Mountain biking is a great fit for this beautifully scenic park," said Mayor Smith. "When the work is complete, Anderson will be left with yet another great attraction."    
DINO, HMBA, and the city of Anderson urge all those interested in this endeavor to volunteer their time and energy.  With more volunteers and equipment, the quicker this project will be completed.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact:  Brian Holzhausen, DINO Director, 317-336-7553, brian06@dinoseries.com or Doug Zook, Parks Department Superintendent, 765-648-6851, dzook@cityofanderson.com.

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