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Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1521208
PROJECT OVERSIGHT Do not think that your work is done once you are in the construction phase. Familiarize yourself with the plans and specifications of the project again. Bidding takes time and you may forget details between design and construction. There are things that a contractor may miss. Being familiar with the plans means you will be able to catch issues early and ensure they are remedied. Volunteers If you choose to have the community build the project and/or use volunteer labor, there are advantages and disadvantages. The first advantage is that everything is on your timeline. This can lead to the project being completed faster. Another advantage is that the more community members that are engaged in the trail project, the stronger the community ownership is of the trail. Taking on the construction can also lessen the costs of the project. But this can be misleading. While the costs of the project, initially, may be less, if the construction is not led by experienced trail builders, there could be higher costs in maintaining the trail in the future. Another concern is that volunteers' schedules or commitment levels may change. This can affect the timeline and, potentially, costs. The trail design also may be more complex than the skill set of the community and/or volunteers. Weigh your options on how you should approach construction of the trail based on the design, but also the commitment of your volunteer groups that are able to assist. While your project is being constructed, be sure to document the process with photos and videos. Also require field notes from the consultant or project manager that is overseeing construction. This information not only helps to ensure the project is within design specifications, but it is also great for sharing with the community. Share project updates with everyone that bought into the project through your public participation. At the end of the project, a final walk-through will occur to ensure the work was completed as you've designed it. It's a good idea to have the engineer, project manager, and key stakeholders involved in the trail project participate in the final walk-through. Multiple sets of eyes will help ensure all details are addressed. TIME TO PAUSE Congratulations! Your dream is now a reality. Take time to reflect on the process and celebrate not only the opening of your trail but all the people who helped make it possible. Construction of concrete trail leading to boardwalk at Smith Falls State Park. Trailhead parking lot construction at Platte River State Park. 29 CONSTRUCTION