DORBA

Target Completion Date: March 2026

Project Title: Erwin Park Trail Reinforcement

This Eagle Scout Service Project, led by Ian Nichols of BSA Troop 289 (Prosper / Celina Area) , focuses on protecting vital multi-use pathways from severe environmental erosion. The project will reinforce high-traffic singletrack trail sections using durable concrete pavers. Because these targeted trail sections sit directly within a critical runoff zone impacted by nearby construction, this installation is essential to prevent severe soil washout, preserve the natural terrain, keep the singletrack safe, and allow the trail system to drain and reopen much faster following heavy rain events.

The core phase of the project involves a highly organized two-stage fabrication and installation workflow. First, volunteers will mix and cast approximately 50 heavy-duty concrete pavers off-site using custom-sourced block molds. Second, the team will transport the finished assets to Erwin Park to prep the eroded trail segments and set the pavers flush into the trail grid. To execute this plan, Ian is mobilizing and leading a collaborative volunteer force consisting of Troop 289 youth, family members, and community trail advocates, including Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) volunteers.

Once completed, this infrastructure asset will immediately safeguard vulnerable trail miles from degrading into impassable ruts, protecting community-funded park lands and significantly reducing future municipal maintenance hours. The current resource valuation and economic impact framework are tracked below:

Total Volunteer Force: TBD (Actively recruiting Troop 289, family, and DORBA volunteers)

Total Labor Investment: TBD Service Hours (Includes off-site block manufacturing and on-site trail installation)

Direct Financial Contributions / Materials: $1,053.47 (Project is fully self-funded by the candidate)

Volunteer Labor Value ($33.00/hr): TBD (Calculated upon final project closeout)

Total Project Valuation: TBD (Final balance of material procurement and verified volunteer hours)

The Erwin Park Trail Reinforcement Project establishes a permanent structural solution to recurring trail washout issues. By introducing a hardened, permeable paver footprint to the runoff zone, Ian’s project delivers a highly functional asset that directly improves the trail system's weather resilience, ensuring long-term rideability and safety for all McKinney community park users.