Local contributors support Tollgate trail

The Tollgate-Sisters High School Multi-Use Path is getting closer to completion thanks to major financial contributions and donated labor by Sisters area residents and businesses, according to Jeff Sims, chair of the Sisters Community Trails Committee.

“It’s pretty impressive when you see a list of those who have contributed so far,” Sims said following a committee meeting last Friday, July 7.

Hayden Homes has contributed $6,450 from their Hayden Giving Fund as announced by Shon Agnew. The development company is preparing to construct a new subdivision at the western edge of Sisters. Also this past week, the Kiwanis Club of Sisters donated $1,500 to help fund the completion of the trail.

Others who have supported this project with donated equipment, labor, and materials include the McKenzie Meadow Village being developed by Curt Kallburg, Bill Willitts and the Reed family.

“Curt, Bill, and the Reed family are committed to bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure for our growing community,” said trails committee member Mark Yokam.

Robinson and Owen Construction donated dozer work for trail clearing. Hap Taylor and Sons, under the direction of Todd Taylor, provided 650 cubic yards of gravel for the path base. Tim Clasen donated labor to repair damaged water sprinkler heads on the edge of the high school practice field.

John Nordquist of Northbranch Construction designed and supervised the construction of a high-water bridge over Trout Creek. Hoyt’s Hardware provided a discount of bridge materials and Rod Morris of Sisters Rental offered the use of equipment. Four members of the Sisters High School Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition class worked on the bridge as did 18 members of the People to People youth group and eight youths of Sisters Community Church.

Tollgate residents Bryn Hazell and Harry Lonsdale made cash contributions and other residents from that area offered refreshments to work crews.

The three-quarter mile trail is the top priority of 36 trails planned by the committee connecting the City of Sisters with national forestlands surrounding the community. Over 142 miles of trails have been proposed.