Balancing Rock | Boardwalk Replacement — Project Update Spring 2026 | Trail Improvement

Spring is arriving, and so is one of our most exciting projects for 2026.

This season, we're replacing the deteriorating boardwalk in the wetland area on the Balancing Rock Trail— and we're doing it right. The old structure has long reached the end of its life, and in its place, we'll be installing a floating dock-style boardwalk that will be more durable, more functional, and better suited to the dynamic wetland environment it crosses.

We're proud to share that this project is generously supported by Creston Community Forest and the Creston Valley Community Foundation. Their investment in our trails makes projects like this possible, and we're deeply grateful for their continued partnership in keeping the Creston Valley's outdoor spaces thriving.

Here's where things stand:

Approval is in hand, and our construction window opens mid-April — with Saturday, April 18 set as our target build day – weather pending. The materials are coming together. Cedar and Douglas fir lumber is being sourced locally, specialty hardware is confirmed, and our talented volunteer Jim is already fabricating the custom brackets that will attach the decking to the dock floats. Every detail is being thought through carefully, so the day itself runs smoothly.

Because this is a wetland site with a tight environmental window, access logistics have been a big part of the planning. There's a road via the hydro transmission line that brings us within about 100 meters of the site, and we've got ATV backup if spring mud has other ideas. Floats and lumber will be packed in the week of April 12.

A note on volunteers: This build requires a small, experienced crew — it's not a public call-out. Our team is reaching out directly to specific volunteers. That said, we'll be sharing progress updates and photos along the way so the whole community can follow along.

Our goal is to have the new boardwalk complete before Bird Fest in May — giving visitors a fresh, solid path through one of the valley's most magical corners, just in time for peak season.

Stay tuned. This one's going to be worth the wait.

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