Mission Statement:
Friends of Pathways advocates the funding,construction and use of pathways, trails, sidewalks and bike lanes through public/private partnerships. We connect the communities in and around Jackson Hole by promoting safe and convenient non-motorized transportation and recreation.
Vision Statement:
Friends of Pathways envisions a community that embraces a world class, year-round, non-motorized network of pathways and trails.
History 1994- 2006
The fun started in 1994 when a group of concerned citizens organized the non-profit Friends of Pathways to support the County government’s Pathways Department, led by Tim Young, local round-the-world bicycle rider and bicycle/ pedestrian visionary. The group understood that Young was constrained by government statutes from advocating or fundraising for pathways and they were determined to ensure that the Pathways Department was a success. Led by Mike Geraci, the group offered a voice and rallied public support for the Pathways Department’s shared use construction projects.
On October 28, 1994, Friends of Pathways was officially recognized by the Wyoming Secretary of State as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Attorney Paul Vaughn, then registered agent for Friends of Pathways, voluntarily wrote the organizations articles of incorporation. The original Board of Trustees were: Randy Roberts, Regena Simmons, Mike Geraci, Steven Elzemeyer, Peter Karns, Rob Woodson, Jeanne Klobnak, Carol Peck, Tim Young, Paul Vaughn, Sean O’Malley & Jim Verdone.
Tim Young became the organization’s first Executive Director in 1994 and was followed shortly thereafter by Mike Geraci who worked in that capacity for two years. Margie Lynch next assumed the helm for over four years, followed by David Vandenberg from March 2001 through 2006. Tim Young, the current Executive Director, returned to lead the organization in 2006.
The first paved pathways in Jackson Hole were constructed in 1996. Four miles of asphalt, 10’ wide, connecting the High School area and neighbor-hoods with west Jackson along Flat Creek. Fourteen years later, the system has 28 miles of pathway that includes a route connecting Wilson with Teton Village. In addition, the community has a 25-year master plan that illustrates the need for 57 miles of pathways designed for non-motorized transportation and recreation to complete the connection of Jackson Hole’s communities. Grand Teton National Park also wants to include pathways in its new transportation plan.
Now, Friends of Pathways has over 1000 members and an annual budget of $160,000 - almost entirely funded by annual donations. Raising awareness of the benefits of pathways is a high priority for FoP and we remain instrumental in fundraising and lobbying for the planning and construction of Jackson Hole’s pathways.
Friends of Pathways has tremendous support from the community as illustrated in the special elections of 1997 and 2006 in which voters approved additional taxes to complete pathways.
Friends of Pathways is always striving to better understand pathway usage and needs, and in 2005 cosponsored (with the Pathways Department) a user survey. The resulting 52-page document prepared by Civil Engineer & FoP Summer Intern Jeffrey LaMondia, details many aspects of pathway use and value. These facilities not only act as recreational areas, but serve as transportation routes for communities. They provide access to travel corridors for many different modes including: walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters, and horseback riders. Researchers have shown shared-use paths can improve the environment, enrich the vitality of an area, and increase the health of a community.
