The Spirit Trail’s Magic Forest is known for its canopy of trees and winding path between Lakeview East and the Jefferson Road section. Beyond the beauty, it allows walkers, runners and bikers to circumnavigate the lake without going onto Jefferson Road. Every year at this time, this section of the Trail closes during hunting season.
Work to maintain or improve the Spirit Trail never ends. Thanks to Clark Lakers, widespread care continues. Unpaid volunteers donate their time and effort to clean ups, such as removing fallen branches, cutting back encroaching vegetation and performing minor repairs. Bigger jobs require hiring third parties. The Magic Forest received an upgrade in 2019 when gravel was installed along the edge of the path to prevent erosion and deterioration of the concrete.
This summer the Spirit Trail took a major step forward. Both the path on the old railroad bed parallel to Hyde Road, and the section that takes you through the County Park received significant attention. The base was repaired and a new layer of asphalt applied. Now, a bike ride feels like the smoothness of a 1978 Pontiac Bonneville with Radial Tuned Suspension.
This work came with a price tag north of $50,000. So, financial input is required to make the most of this Clark Lake jewel.
Two other infrastructure initiatives have also made a difference. The section adjacent to the post office had deteriorated due to poor drainage and years of thaws and freezes.
The existing path was scraped and new pavement installed.
Traffic concerns led to constructing a new section from Rita to Grand Boulevard.
View looking east toward Rita and N. Lake intersection
This video was recorded during the Spring Clean Up. It shows volunteers in action.
The Spirit Trail is part of the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation, a non-profit with 501c3 status. Donations from plaques on the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign, contributions from Run Clark Lake, and other fundraisers continue to enable the current level of support. And when people are looking for a good cause, the Spirit Trail is often top of mind.
Donations can be made through this website by clicking here.
That’s wonderful. Now if we can keep the golf carts of the section in the county park that would be great!
Thank you Harry Liogghio for maintaining the lawn on N. Lake and Rita!!! Always looks so nice!
I am concerned about the golf carts that travel on the Spirit Trail, often going way to fast and driven by young drivers.
I agree. Way too young and way too fast golf carts on ie. Sandy Beach, Lakeview and Hayes Dr.