Appendix L
Maintenance Level Guidelines
Maintenance and development of trails are intended to provide meaningful and safe pathways for pedestrian usage. To service the social and aesthetic needs of the user, in accordance with land- use plans. Maintenance Level Guidelines Trail management will be directed towards preserving travel routes designated for single or multiple recreational uses. Trails will be maintained annually to conform to acceptable tread way clearness, surface drainage, and erosion control standards. Trail construction and maintenance is an inexact science with many variables. Much depends on the location of the trail, the soil, the base, the climate, and the types of uses. However, there are certain guidelines which, if adhered to, will prevent most trail deterioration and minimize maintenance costs. 15.1 Turf Grass Trails Grass trails will be inspected 2 times each year (using bi-annual inspections form). Turf grass trails will be mowed monthly 3 – 4 times per growing season. 15.2 Mulch Trails Mulched trails will be inspected 2 times each year using the bi-annual inspections form. Mulch trails will be mulched every other year and drainage and erosion control will be done on a by- project basis. 15.3 Crushed Stone and Decomposed Granite Trails These trails will be inspected monthly. Erosion control and drainage issues will be addressed on a by-project basis. Additional stone and grading will be done annually or an as needed basis. While grading, the specified trail width will be maintained along with eliminating any build-up of materials along the edge that could lead to poor drainage. 15.4 Paved Trails Paved trails will be inspected monthly. Paved trails will be broomed or blown off debris on a weekly basis. Surface patching will be addressed on a by-project basis. Repainting of a center- line will be done every 3 years or as needed. 15.5 Pruning Pruning vegetation is an essential and regular part of the trail maintenance program. Multi-use trails should have multiple feet of vertical and horizontal clearances (though there will be exceptions for the sake of protecting a tree). Hard surface trails will maintain a 3ft buffer on each shoulder of trail. Too often, trail pruning is accomplished in the most expeditious manner possible - - - a branch intrudes within the walking or riding space of a trail and is quickly lopped- off so that it doesn’t intrude and the debris is tossed aside. Our goal in trail maintenance is to maintain a trail in as natural an appearance as possible, using proper pruning techniques to achieve this goal.
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Naperville Park District | 2023 MASTER PLAN
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