Howdy,
SAMBA is excited to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Coleman Park Board of Trustees, City of Lebanon and True Life Ministries to construct a new shared-use trail at Coleman Park in Lebanon. The 2 mile long trail will be focused on providing unique learning opportunities for beginners and kids, providing a facility for an introduction to off-road riding and establishing a close-to-home trail experience for city residents to enjoy. The trail will also be used for hiking and trail running with foot-travel routed in the opposite direction of travel. SAMBA is developing an educational platform to include instructional opportunities and skills clinics that we hope to launch in 2022. This new trail paired with the pump tracks and other facilities will provide a great location for these events and create opportunities for families and riders of all skill levels to get outdoors and spend time riding and enjoying the park.
We would like to thank the Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition (LVBC), Lebanon Community Health Council and especially REACH for their contributions @ Coleman Park. REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) is a national program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. In 2018 the Penn State College of Medicine received a REACH grant covering Lebanon and Berks Counties. REACH creates partnerships to identify the unique needs, assets, and opportunities of each community to implement what works especially in the area of Physical Activity. REACH supports physical activity projects by improving spaces and providing safe places to walk and get active. REACH is a financial contributor to the Bicycle Playground & new trail project and also worked to create bilingual signage and materials promoting the facility.
The trail is projected to open this Summer but we need help. SAMBA is seeking members for the Coleman Park trail committee and volunteers to help with the building and ongoing maintenance of the new trail as well as the pump tracks. We are also seeking volunteers to help develop skills clinics and educational platforms. Please contact us here if interested: https://sambabiker.com/contact/ and keep an eye out for volunteer work days coming soon.
