San Antonio Parks and Recreation Partnership with South Texas Off Road Mountain Bikers (STORM) to Develop Natural Surface Trails
This off-site workshop is a case study is important to planners who are looking for ways to partner with citizen groups, obtain citizens’ sense of ownership in the city’s natural assets, engage citizen leaders in projects they are already interested in, and provide opportunities for community health venues.
Come learn how STORM, a volunteer organization, entered into a partnership with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, to develop and maintain natural surface trails as part of the linear parks under development along several creekways in the city. These natural surface trails augment paved trails and are used by mountain bikers, cross country runners, hikers, birders and others.
Participants will learn:
- How a volunteer organization structured a highly effective memorandum of understanding and operational rules with the City of San Antonio.
- See firsthand how this partnership has resulted in a significant expansion of park usability and citizen enjoyment.
- Learn about the organization and work required of both STORM and the Parks and Recreation Department to fulfill their respective roles and the challenges within this partnership arrangement.
Transportation will be provided to the site (TBD) and wear shoes suitable for hiking.
Alan Markert, MBA
Business Consultant
Alan Markert developed STORM’s trail stewardship program and serves as STORM’s liaison with the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.
He is a Business Consultant by profession, and holds an MBA degree.
