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In 1982 the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan was fi rst approved by the Laramie City Council identifying a possible route for a greenbelt. T e Laramie City Council formally adopted plans for a bicycle & trail master plan in 1999 which included the Laramie River Greenbelt. T e fi rst mile of the Greenbelt Trail was donated and constructed by the Union Pacifi c Railroad in 1999 from Optimist Park to the old Baxter Tie Plant site. T is generous donation by the Union Pacifi c Railroad started the development of trail which now has expanded to 6.5 miles of biking and hiking trails on the banks of the Laramie River between Curtis Street to the north and the County fairgrounds to the south, occupying approximately 100 acres of open space. T e educational benefi ts of the Greenbelt are endless. From the observation of wildlife, birds, wetlands, and vegetation; people young and old can learn about nature and better understand the ecological importance of the Greenbelt. T e Optimist Park trailhead includes a playground, sheltered picnic area and fenced in dog run area. T ere are memorial benches located along the trail for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. HISTORY OF THE LARAMIE RIVER GREENBELT PARK Take a break from your hectic daily life and enjoy the outdoor beauty and serenity of the Laramie River Greenbelt Trail. T e paved trail is maintained year round for walking, biking, hiking, jogging and cross country skiing. Also enjoy the native habitat, birds, wildlife and fi shing opportunities along the Laramie River. T e Optimist Park trailhead includes a playground, sheltered picnic area and a fenced, off leash dog run. In 2002 the Laramie River Greenbelt Trail was awarded the IBA (Important Bird Area) designation by the National Audubon Society. T is IBA designation signifi es the community’s commitment to preserving the Laramie River Greenbelt as a wildlife and bird sanctuary. FUTURE EXPANSION T e Laramie Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan that was adopted in 2007, outlines the expansion of the Greenbelt in detail, and can be found on the City of Laramie website www. cityofl aramie.org. T e future greenbelt trails will include a trail along Spring Creek Channel corridor and eventually surround the entire city, extending to nearly all of Laramie’s existing parks and neighborhoods, as funding is available. A special thanks to the Laramie River Conservation District for their support and contributions to the Laramie River Greenbelt Trail brochure. January 2013 ---PAGE BREAK--- LARAMIE RIVER RESTORATION T e Laramie Rivers Conservation District received a grant allowing a three year restoration project of the Laramie River which began in 2009. T e Laramie River suff ers from many of the same maladies that characterize many urbanized streams. T e project area extended 3.6 miles from the I-80 Bridge to the Union Pacifi c Railroad Bridge near the city’s waste water treatment plant. T rough this area, the river is highly unstable with degraded habitat quality in many areas. T e goal of the plan was to enhance stability and habitat quality in an aesthetically pleasing way using natural materials, while having minimal infl uence on channel fl ow capacity. T is work improved the overall environmental quality of the river as it fl ows through Laramie. Phase 1 improved areas where infrastructure was threatened. Phase 2 & 3 repaired the less threatened areas. Phase 3 included the placement of information and educational exhibits along the trail. T is project was funded by the Laramie Beautifi cation Committee, with signifi cant contributions from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Laramie Rivers Conservation District , Albany County and the City of Laramie. ADOPT OR SPONSOR THE GREENBELT T e Parks, Tree and Recreation Advisory Board is proud to announce the availability of Adopt and Sponsor the Greenbelt opportunities. T ese agreements permit individuals, families, and groups to get involved in the maintenance and care of the Laramie River Greenbelt. T e Adopt the Greenbelt Agreement specifi es the group shall be responsible for clean up of trash and debris for a quarter mile of greenbelt trail a minimum of two times per calendar year, for a period of two years. T e city will recognize the group with a sign trail marker. T e sponsor agreement is specifi cally tailored for groups who wish to donate funds to the ongoing maintenance of the Greenbelt without the responsibility of annual cleanup. T e city will recognize sponsors with a sign on the kiosk at the Optimist Park trailhead. For further information call Parks & Recreation at 721-5264 or 721-5269. N