You might know it as the Second Avenue Trailhead. Or Zack’s Stop Trailhead. Or Rainbow Lake Trailhead. But whatever moniker you use for the trail in Frisco, that’s where CYCA spent a day with REI and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps last week!

Together we crushed it. Rocks, that is. We also cut and installed beams, with a goal of building four pedestrian bridges over a stream on the trail. The project had begun the week before, so one bridge is now fully complete.

We made a day of it, flexing our collaborative muscle to support the U.S. Forest Service, which had contracted the work out to RMYC. REI brought seven staff members from its flagship Denver store and from its Dillon location, and provided lunch and backpacks for everyone to take home.

Where did the funding come from for this project? It was all part of REI’s recent $30,000 grant to CYCA, supporting outdoor places with projects that improve trail accessibility.

“REI recognizes the importance of trail building and maintenance to their own members. This is the foundation of what they want to support in Colorado. Getting out on a project was also an exciting way for REI staffers to personally see AmeriCorps members in action and have an impact themselves.”

Brandon Watkins, CYCA’s associate director

As for Brandon? He was thrilled to be part of it.

“So much of my work here at CYCA is behind the scenes. It was very rewarding putting faces to names and pouring some sweat equity into a project alongside corpsmembers and our partners.”

Brandon Watkins

Read more about REI-funded projects