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“The earth on which we walk, from which we come, and which we love as our mother—which we love as our country—we ask you to see that we do that which is good for us and our children.” Chief Blackfoot, Crow, August 11, 1873 A Guide to CODY’S OUTDOOR PUBLIC RECREATION PA R K S D I R E C T O R Y PAT H WAY S N AT U R E T R A I L S Cody Parks&Pathways Parks&Pathways Cody Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:49 PM Page 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 3 preserve, enjoy today Cody Pathways “The mission of the Cody Pathways project is to provide and maintain an accessible pathways system for public recreation in natural settings.” T he Cody Pathways project is planned around a 15.1 mile stretch of the Shoshone River corridor that runs from the Buffalo Bill Dam to the Corbett Bridge and encompasses the entire Cody community. Beck Lake Park on the southern end of town will one day connect to the Shoshone River corridor by a system of multi-use trails. These trails will also connect with city parks, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses. Future expansion may include connections that will allow users to visit the Buffalo Bill Dam without traversing the highway. The Shoshone River corridor is a natural and recreational wonder. The North and South Forks of the Shoshone flow into Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Below the Buffalo Bill Dam, the Shoshone tumbles six miles within steep canyon walls, then through the communities of Cody, Powell, Byron, and Lovell to Big Horn Lake. The Shoshone River is considered a blue ribbon trout fishery and since 1943 has been stocked by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department with Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout. The Cody community is developing an improved awareness of the river not only for its economic importance, but also for its natural and recreation benefits. Through the Cody Pathways Project the community has taken an active role in maintaining the riparian habitats and improving fishing opportunities along the river. Activities have included clean-up of the old city dump and the annual river clean-up, “Our River Runs Through It.” Additionally, the City is working to provide greater angler and floating access along the Shoshone. Beck Lake Park Pathway Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:49 PM Page 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 5 The City of Cody’s Parks & Pathways system includes 23 developed parks and nearly 8 miles of developed trails. Neighborhood, community, regional and specialty parks offer features and amenities for groups of all sizes and users of all ages. The City is committed to providing attractive facilities that meet the needs of an ever-changing community. The parks in Cody regularly play host to regional and state events including musical concerts, craft fairs, soccer tournaments and balloon festivals. The three developed pathway systems were designed to accommodate the needs of many users. If you enjoy roller-blading with a lakeside view or jogging along the scenic Shoshone River, your recreational needs will be met in Cody! Heart Mountain Street Cody Pathways is a system of multi-use trails that provides the public with non-motorized access to the natural, recreational, cultural, historical, educational, and commercial resources in Cody, Wyoming. Through an extraordinary partnership between residents, community groups, government agencies, recreationalists, and private landowners, people of all abilities can have access to the Shoshone River corridor by way of extensive off-street and on-street pedestrian and bicycle trails and trail amenities. Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- City Park: 908 Sheridan Amenities include play equipment, benches, restrooms, BBQ grills and tables. In addition the park has a miniature golf course, tennis court, monuments, picnic shelter and a band shell which provides concert events during the summer. Paul Stock Park: 836 Sheridan This park is adjacent to the City Park in downtown Cody. Tennis courts with bleachers, monuments and benches. The park is located next to the Cody Chamber of Commerce, Cody Cupboard and the Cody Country Art League. Don Little Park: 420 Canyon Avenue Play structure, basketball court, picnic shelter, BBQ grills and tables. Horseshoe Park: 1302 Horseshoe Drive Swing set, picnic table, a few trees and a flower bed. It’s the tiniest park in Cody! Glendale Park: 1906 14th Street Playground equipment, tennis court, baseball & soccer field, picnic shelter, basketball court and restrooms. Beck Lake Park: 2401 14th Street (See—Trail Systems. See map insert for details) Vietnam Memorial: 2519 26th Street This park which features the Wyoming State Memorial Wall, has ample parking, seating and picturesque plantings. Dacken Park: Kerper North & South & 22nd Street Play equipment, outdoor basketball court, soccer field, picnic space, BBQ grills, vault restrooms, shelters and places to park your bike. Greybull Hill: 17th Street This urban green space contains small trees, flower beds and park benches on both sides of the street. Highland Manor Park: 2500 Carter Avenue Play equipment, tennis courts, BBQ grills, picnic shelter, a basketball court and vault restrooms. Mentock Park: 901 Blackburn Mentock Park is large enough to be a destination for many age groups. The park has play equipment, playing fields, benches, horseshoe pits, restrooms, Cody Rotary Club picnic shelter, picnic tables and a BBQ for cook-outs. Mentock also features an 8,000 square foot skate park that is designed to be a multi-use area for beginners, a street course, and a signature area containing a nine foot bowl for the more advanced skate boarders. Reservations are accepted one year in advance of the scheduled event by calling [PHONE REDACTED] and open container permits are allowed in this park. Circle Drive Park: 16th Street This park provides attractive green streetscape for 16th Street. Nielson Park: 17th & 18th Street Play equipment, basketball & volleyball court, benches and picnic tables. Hugh Smith Park and Recreation Area: 131 19th Street Hugh Smith Park features the Cody Rotary Club group picnic shelter that is available on a reservation basis. Located adjacent to the youth baseball complex, this area also features horseshoe pits, volleyball court, playground and restrooms. Reservations are accepted one year in advance of the scheduled event by calling [PHONE REDACTED] and open container permits are allowed in this park. 7 6 Cody Public Facilities Parks & Park Locations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 City Park Hugh Smith Park Vietnam Memorial Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 East Sheridan Softball Complex: 3708 Sheridan Avenue Community playing fields consisting of 3 fields, playground area, concessions and restrooms. Shoshone Riverway Trail Access: 1113 Riverview Drive & Alternate Access: North 19th St. (See—Pathway Systems) Valley View Park: Wallace & Rio Vista This 1-acre neighborhood park contains a large playground, swing set, BBQ grills, benches, a picnic shelter, as well as basketball and soccer playing areas. River View Park: 901 River View Drive Features a climbing wall, picnic shelter and park benches. Heart Mountain Street Landscaping: Heart Mountain Street Beautifully landscaped with benches on the east side of the street. Shadow Mountain Park: 2908 Bass Avenue Grass Area. Developed in 2005. Amenities to be added in the future. Meadowbrook Park: Meadowlark Court Consists of park benches and grassed area. Paul Stock Nature Trail: 801 Spruce Drive (See—Pathway Systems) Canal Park: Access from Heart Mountain Street, 1444 Alger or 16th & Alger Developed in 2006. This 10-acre park will include multi-use pathways, amphitheater and other park amenities. Beck Lake Park: 2401 14th Street Over 2 miles of asphalt trails encircle two large reservoirs offering spectacular views of the city and beyond. The park also features a developed Braille Trail, Cody Lions Club picnic shelters, handicapped accessible fishing piers, amphitheater, and vault restrooms. (See map insert for details) Shoshone Riverway Trail: 1113 Riverview Drive This 1.3 mile trail follows along the scenic Shoshone River and is accessible from two points within the community. The recycled asphalt base allows for walking, jogging, biking and a vault restroom is located at the west trailhead. Paul Stock Nature Trail: 801 Spruce Drive Gravel trail totaling 1.3 miles in length. Additional amenities include park benches, interpretive markers and vault restroom. Please see additional interpretive information contained in this brochure. 8 Pathway Systems Public Facilities AMPITHEATER BABY SWING BASKETBALL COURT BICYCLE TRAILS BRAILLE TRAIL FISHING AREA FOOT TRAIL HORSESHOE PITS INFORMATION USE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION MOTORS IS PROHIBITED PHOTO OPPORTUNITY PICNICKING / DAY USE AREA PLAYGROUND RESTROOMS SOFTBALL / BASEBALL DIAMOND TENNIS COURTS VOLLEYBALL COURTS WATERFOWL VIEWING AREA WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE FISHING PIERS Legend 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 2 3 4 16 15 6 Cody Auditorium: 1240 Beck Avenue This popular facility is used for conventions, meetings and recreation programs. With a commercially equipped kitchen and table service for 500, this is Cody’s largest public facility for group meetings. It is also home to the historic Cody Clubroom. Call the Rec Center at 587-0400 for fee schedules and reservation information. Miniature Golf Course: 587-3685, 908 Sheridan Avenue The miniature golf course located in City Park is owned and maintained by the City of Cody and supports over 20,000 players each summer and is open June through August. Call for fee schedules and information. Paul Stock Aquatic and Recreation Center: 587-0400, 1402 Heart Mountain Street This Center offers a variety of program activities and special events for all ages. The recreation center features gymnasiums housing three full-length courts, two racquetball courts, cardiovascular and weight training exercise equipment, suspended walking track, multi-purpose space, and child care. Aquatic features include an eight- lane x 25 yard lap pool with diving well, leisure pool, 150 foot long water slide and water activity equipment, jacuzzi spa, and therapy pool. Brochures listing recreation program offerings, as well as, membership or daily use fees are available. Cody Main Street Restrooms: 1330 1/2 Sheridan Avenue Rest area in downtown Cody with pay phone and benches. 16 River View Park 22 Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 8 ---PAGE BREAK--- An interpretive trail guide to wildlife and wildlife habitats along a small section of the Shoshone River corridor, Cody, Wyoming 10 11 Y ou are invited to take a stroll along the Paul Stock & the Shoshone Riverway Nature Trails. The self-guided interpretive trail and its immediate surroundings will introduce you to a small section of the Shoshone River corridor. As you walk these trails, look for the numbered stations. When you encounter one, stop and read the material in this brochure that matches the numbered marker. This brochure is designed to briefly interpret some of the site’s unique natural features. Take your time and make your walk enjoyable. Be sure to make use of all of your senses; notice the odors and fragrances the vegetation produces. Listen for the musical sounds produced by the songbirds. Reach out and touch the bark of a Cottonwood Tree or the thorns of the Russian Olive Tree. Be a careful observer, as you travel from station to station. There are many aspects to nature’s beauty, and we encourage you to enjoy them all. Please minimize your impact on the area by staying on the trail, taking only pictures, and leaving only footprints. You may see signs along the trail left behind by some of the more secretive animals that inhabit the area. We hope you will enjoy this adventure and know you will return. ■ Nature Trails Paul Stock & The Shoshone Riverway Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 10 ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 13 THE HISTORY In the early morning light, visitors to this area could be seen from the terrace overlooking the bend in the river. The visitors were often elk, deer, buffalo, and pronghorn antelope constantly on guard for predators. Among those in search of these plains animals and the mink, beaver, wolves, and bear, were the native Americans and the early fur traders. Their presence can still be detected by the trained and imaginative eye. Over the years, the Shoshone River gradually cut its way through the shallow soils forming the benches and channels seen today. The river channel formation has essentially been halted by the construction of the Buffalo Bill Dam, which at the time of it’s construction in 1910, was the tallest arch type dam constructed in the United States. The adjacent short grass prairie of this high mountain desert was subject to west winds that dried the soils; receiving only 5 to 9 inches of precipitation annually. The soils form slowly here and the ecosystem is fragile. Unlike the vast tall grass prairie of the central United States, little organic matter which helps build soils, is produced in our short (90 to 120 day) growing season each year. The town of Cody, and much of the Big Horn Basin, developed around the waters of the Shoshone River. Rich in western history, it is a valuable part of our heritage and remains essential to our future. The river today provides water for domestic and agricultural use and recreational fishing, floating, and hunting opportunities as well. The river, riparian zone and adjacent rangeland also provide an outdoor classroom for the study of these important natural resources. At the bend of the river, a small homestead and corral once stood. Someone had lived there, leaving little else besides the homestead (remnants) in the passage of time. Enjoy this gift and preserve it for those that follow. INTERPRETIVE STATIONS 1 Grazing - Plant Associations People often associate grazing with something unnatural or detrimental to the land and plant community. If one considers the lawn they grow, some key activities include adding fertilizer, removing old growth, mowing new growth, mulching, and watering. Grasses growing on rangeland have similar needs to remain vigorous and healthy. Animal influence in some cases is the only mechanism available to provide those key activities. Historically, buffalo roamed in great numbers and were often concentrated due to predators. As they moved, they stirred the soil, fertilized, mowed, and mulched allowing the available moisture to stimulate new vigorous growth. Those herds may not have returned for several weeks or months giving the plants time to rest and grow. Historical accounts tell us that grass in the great plains was often “belly deep on a tall horse.” That ecosystem was being maintained in part by the influence of grazing animals. The lack of grazing (over-resting) or over-grazing (under-resting) can cause the plant community to deteriorate. Rangeland is a renewable resource but over time the plant community may change in response to activities or the lack of activities influencing it. Small, shallow rooted, mat forming grasses may replace deep rooted, tall, bunch grasses due to the lack of maintenance on the tall grasses provided by grazing. Over grazing could cause the same response in the plant community. 2 Native vs. Exotic or Introduced Plants Native plants are those that historically have been present, given the soil, water, and other climatic conditions that did exist. Exotic or introduced plant species are those that have been brought to these sites from other places. Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 12 ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 The Russian Olive Tree The Russian Olive Tree is a native of Eurasia and, therefore, is classified as an invader. It grows mostly in well watered places such as river bottoms. It produces small fruit that are edible, but rather tasteless. Russian Olives hold soil well and provide habitat and good food for animals, both browsers and berry eaters. A trait of great value to wildlife is that the tree holds its berries long into the snows of winter. To some people it is a beautiful, treasured, exotic plant that benefits wildlife. To others, it is a pesky “weed” tree that aggressively competes with native willows and cottonwoods. 6 Monarchs & Milkweed Milkweed is the one and only food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Monarch butterflies begin their annual life cycle leaving from the mountains of central Mexico and traveling northward in the spring coinciding with the growth of milkweed. Eggs are laid, pupate and the next generation continues the migration north arriving in Wyoming as these milkweeds ripen in July. Using their genetic map, the fourth generation of Monarchs will return to Mexico where none of them have actually been, to winter in great numbers in mountains with the perfect climate. Three months later, they will head north to continue the Monarch’s amazing cycle. 7 Prickly Pear Cactus Green stems, no true leaves, waxy skin, extensive roots and, of course, needle sharp thorns, make cactus the perfect desert plant. 14 15 Some individuals question whether the plant community should only be composed of native vegetation. As you look at the riparian system along the river, plants exist that are not native. The value of this “non-native” vegetation for song bird habitat, wildlife cover, and soil holding ability is essential to protect this ecosystem and waterway. Exotic or introduced plants can be undesirable. Weedy species may spread and compete with more desirable plants for the limited water and soil nutrients. When weedy species are unchecked, monocultures (one plant) may occur reducing biodiversity (more than one plant). On drier rangeland, introduced species may replace the more desirable native grass species reducing grazing opportunities for wildlife and domestic livestock. When evaluating native versus introduced vegetation, consider the plant’s function in the ecosystem. Also consider man’s role and needs within the ecosystem. 3 Riparian Areas Have you noticed that the vegetation changes the farther away from the river it is? The green vegetation immediately adjacent to a river or stream is the riparian area. The vegetation found there requires water in amounts greater than that which falls as precipitation. Riparian areas comprise less than four percent of Wyoming’s land area, but provides food for over 80% of its wildlife species. 4 Black Currant Yellow blossoms in spring and sweet berries in the fall make this species of currant a favorite with people. However, deer do not appreciate its very bitter twigs. Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 14 ---PAGE BREAK--- Mountains. Run-off waters find their way down the North and South Fork of the Shoshone River and empty into Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Stored water passes through Buffalo Bill dam providing recreational opportunities such as river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. 12 Can You Smell It? Face upstream and put your nose to the wind. Can you smell the sulphur? The sulphur smell originates in an area named by explorers as Coulter’s Hell. Today we know this area as DeMaris Springs. DeMaris is a hot spring from which flows water high in hydrogen sulfide content. The concentration is so high, fish are unable to survive in it. By the time the spring water reaches this point, it has mixed with the river water, which allows fish to survive. 13 Buffalo Berries The Buffalo Berry plant is well adapted to moist areas. It is native to this area. The berries it produces are bright red in color and rather tart to the taste. These berries serve as a food source for birds, bears, raccoons, and other riparian dwelling animals. Buffalo Berries received their name from Lewis and Clark while guests of the Mandan Indians, who used the berry to make a tart sauce to put on their buffalo meat. 14 Cavity Nesters Raise your eyes along the trunk of these trees and look for holes or cavities. Bird nests appear in an infinite 17 8 Wildlife Sign As you walk from place to place, be a careful observer. There are many aspects to nature’s beauty, and we encourage you to enjoy them all. Animal tracks are most often visible after rain or snow. Mud near the river’s shore, or sand along the trail may reveal signs left behind by some of the more secretive animals that inhabit the area. 9 Habitat Food, water, space and arrangement – the building blocks of wildlife habitat. The river provides year-long habitat for fish, muskrat, beaver and mink. The river’s constant flow provides open water habitat for wintering waterfowl. The riparian area and its associated plants provide food for Ring- Necked Pheasants, and Mule Deer. Trees provide nesting habitat for songbirds like the American Robin, Western Bluebird, and Yellow Warbler. 10 Fish and the Shoshone River If you watch the water you just might see the small swirl of a fish rising. The Shoshone River is a blue ribbon or Class I trout stream. Anglers can catch Rainbow, Snake River Cutthroat, Brown, Lake Trout and Mountain Whitefish. Non-game species such as white, long-nosed, and mountain suckers, long-nosed dace, fathead minnows, and sand shiners also live here. 11 Shoshone River Watershed A watershed is the land area serving as a collection basin for snowmelt and rainfall that provides water flow for streams and rivers. The Shoshone River watershed has its beginnings in the high mountain peaks of the Absaroka 16 Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 16 ---PAGE BREAK--- variety of forms. One of the more secure forms of nesting is made in a cavity. Many birds such as the Woodpecker, dig their own holes. Many others use ready-made ones. In North American forests, there are at least 85 cavity nesting birds. Wood Ducks, Mountain Bluebirds, and Sapsuckers are examples of cavity nesters in Wyoming. 15 Amphibians and Reptiles Frogs, toads and salamanders are familiar and interesting to most people. Turtles, lizards and snakes are fascinating and sometimes frightening. This group of animals, known as “herps,” are secretive and go about unnoticed. Walk quietly and observe carefully. You might see a Tiger Salamander, Northern Sage- Brush Lizard, Short-Horned Lizard, wandering snakes or Prairie Rattlesnake in this area. 16 Sagebrush Rain, fresh air and the scent of sagebrush are characteristic smells of Wyoming. Sagebrush leaves contain essential oils that produce a strong odor. Sagebrush is the major food source for wintering Pronghorn Antelope and Sage Grouse. Other animals such as the Golden Eagle, Sage Thrasher, Cottontail Rabbit, Horned Lark, Sage Lizard and Western Jumping Mouse are but a few of the over 150 species of wildlife commonly found associated with sagebrush. 17 Four-Wing Salt Bush A favorite browse plant for deer and antelope, this shrub is named for the four “wings” on each seed that help them blow across the desert. 18 Play for adults is recreation – the renewal of life; for children it is growth – the gaining of life. Joseph Lee, Father of the American Playground Movement Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 18 ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks & Recreation… The Benefits Are Endless! Cody Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities 1402 Heart Mountain Street P.O. Box 2200 Cody, Wyoming 82414 [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] cityofcody-wy.gov Cody Parks & Rec Booklet 7/7/06 4:50 PM Page 20