Project: Memorial Park
Photo Album: Memorial Park - Homestead Trail Photos
Memorial Park – Homestead Trail
Trail Center Work Day Report
July 23, 2022
Workday Report for Memorial Park - July 23, 2022
On Saturday July 23, the Trail Center returned to Homestead Trail in San Mateo County's Memorial Park. This was the sixth scheduled workday with the goal of recommissioning the trail in time for the 100 year anniversary of Memorial Park. The Trail Center was thrilled to participate in this important work, and its 15 volunteers brought this enthusiasm to Saturday's workday.
The weather began overcast with temperature in the low 50s before quickly opening up to clear skies in the low 70s. The trail tread is a debris field with a mix of sandy and rocky soil where previously stood a wooden utility bridge. A two-tiered retaining wall is required to stabilize, support and define the trail. We staged the trailer and volunteers in the Homestead Group Campground where Ranger Dave staged the materials, hardware, and specialty tools.
Helen's crew began the construction by establishing the location and height of the lumber at the midpoint of the 64-ft wall. After digging the foundation, placing the first section of lumber, and driving and attaching the hat channels, the crew continued construction toward the east. Judd's crew built the wall from the midpoint westward. By day's end, 56 feet of the first tier were completed. The trail tread was backfilled and was well established, awaiting only fine detailing.
Larry led a smaller crew that performed tread work on hundreds of yards of trail to the east and west of the retaining wall site.
Remaining work includes the construction of the 32-ft long second tier, the last 8 feet of the first tier, and final treatment of the trail tread. This effort will require an 8 person crew approximately 4 hours to complete. Ranger Dave will advise when the materials (4x8 x 8-ft lumber Qty 10, 8-ft hat channel Qty 8 + 2 spares, and 6-ft hat channel Qty 2 + 1 spare). Upon completion, the Homestead Trail shall be ready to open, providing a beautiful creekside walk from Azalea Campground to Huckleberry Flat (the former picnic area slated to become a dog friendly campground) to Homestead Group Camp.
The Trail Center thanks its volunteers and Judd for driving the trailer, Kathy for coordinating our volunteers, and Larry for the snacks and beverages at day's end. Special thanks to Ranger Dave Vasquez for providing all materials and for his assistance in coordinating the work.