On Tuesday, Ogden City sent out a press release announcing a series of improvements to be implemented in conjunction with the Ogden Trails Network and Trails Foundation of Northern Utah, or TFNU, on the Gib’s Loop Trail, which loops around the Mt. Ogden Golf Course.

Ogden Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner on Wednesday the improvements come out of a safety-related need to separate the trail from the adjacent golf course.

“The intent is we are going to be asking the public to maintain spaces for their intended use,” he said. “Trail use should be done on trails, and designated trails at that, and golf course use, of course, is intended for the golf course. Those two really shouldn’t mix. It’s a safety concern.”

He added that local feedback also contributed, showing some people weren’t sure where the organized trail ended and the golf course began.

“We had dozens of hours with our director of the golf course and our director of Parks & Cemeteries and speaking with folks as they walked on the golf course not golfing,” he said. “It was really interesting. (In) a lot of the interactions, it was found that people honestly didn’t know.”

According to the press release, the improvements include:

• “New signage installed at social trail entrances;

• Maintenance gates added where the pipeline owned by the Bureau of Reclamation crosses the course;

• Natural fencing added to help guide users along the designated trails;

• A section of Gib’s Loop will be rerouted to accommodate user demands, improve trail flow and reroute away from the golf course;

• Ongoing enhancements to Gib’s Loop — a treasured and already welcoming part of our trail system;

• Lastly, the city is exploring options for a year-round dog park near the golf course.”

According to the press release, from May 1-3, “volunteers will be stationed at key access points to answer questions, share trail maps, and help guide trail users through these changes in a positive and welcoming way.”

McBride said the project will also get some special volunteer help from the Ogden High School Mountain Bike Team in helping build a bridge at one point on the trail.

He added that Ogden City is especially blessed to have so many options for outdoor recreation.

“Ogden recreation users are really fortunate,” he said. “We have roughly 80 miles of designated trail that the Ogden Trail Network has either created or currently maintains. We’re really fortunate to have that and, simultaneously, Ogden is really rich in recreation services. We have two of the most beautiful golf courses, really, in our state. We are grateful to the community that use those that are good stewards to those spaces.”

McBride said work is set to begin today (Thursday) and will last a couple of months.