Trail Shelter – Storm & Sun Shelter – Malabar's Virtual Trailhead

Members of the T&GC and other volunteers have completed construction of the Cameron Trail Shelter (CTS) in the Cameron Preserve. The structure has a 12′ x 12′ deck under a 16′ x 16′ metal roof and a 4′ wide stairway and additional 4′ x 4′ landing. About half of the lumber needed was purchased by September 30, 2016, as funded by Town of Malabar tax payers via the 2016 fiscal year budget allocation for the Trails and Greenways Committee (T&GC). Most of the additional lumber, deck and framing screws were purchased through funds allocated for fiscal year 2017. Contributions of critical heavy gauge hardware have been from Bob Wilbur, of Brushbusters, and Brian Vail, of Reasonable Auto Repair, which is also contributed the metal roofing.

The CTS, located off the Green Trail, just south of where it meets the Yellow Trail East, was completed over the winter months in just six carefully planned work event days. The structure is open to all trail users. While primarily intended to offer refuge for those seeking shelter from storms or excessive sun, the structure is also intended to provide a great place to take a break from the trail and observe wildlife. The shelter overlooks a wetland area and is elevated about four feet to provide views and a little breeze not available from the trail. All users are welcome as long as they respect other users and not abuse this new enhancement of Cameron Preserve. The structure cannot be reserved for a single group or event. Fires and overnight camping are not allowed. As a 100% volunteer labor built project, constructed through limited public funding and dependent on additional material contributions, quick repair or replacement would be unlikely. Since repair funds may not be available, all users are requested to keep the structure free from liter, graffiti, and vandalism. In summary, the Cameron Trail Shelter is for the enjoyment of trail users of the Cameron Preserve and we hope that it will encourage respect of nature and user support of our trail system.

We hope that you will enjoy the Cameron Trail Shelter. If you are interested in helping with similar projects and/or trail maintenance in the future, please contact the Town of Malabar for T&GC contact information and the latest scheduled work events. The links here provide photos and information showing the evolution of this project. Adobe file links to separate work event photo files and the final photo chronology (summary of the project) are listed below.

Thank you,

Town of Malabar Trails & Greenways Committee (T&GC)