Where You'll Be:
This project takes place at Aurora Reservoir, a popular destination in southeast Aurora that sees about 700,000 visits each year. Volunteers will be working along the Aurora Reservoir 5K Trail, a well-used crushed gravel trail that loops through prairie, wetlands, and along the lake shoreline.
The trail is used by runners, walking groups, anglers accessing the shoreline, and participants in trail running events. It is also a certified 5K course through USA Track and Field and is regularly used for races and community events. Portions follow the paved trail surface at the park, and other areas meander through the prairie, wetlands and along the lake shore.
What You'll Do:
The 5K Trail is due for some maintenance to bring it back to good condition.
Volunteers will help resurface worn sections of trail by spreading crushed gravel to improve drainage and repair areas that have broken down over time.
As part of the work, volunteers may also:
- Build simple drainage features to move water off the trail
- Help reduce erosion in problem areas
- Construct rock turnpikes to carry the trail safely through wetland sections (a turnpike is a raised section of trail that's built to cross wet or muddy areas)
This hands-on work will help restore the trail’s surface and protect the surrounding landscape.
Why It Matters:
Over time, worn spots, potholes, and undercut sections can create safety risks for trail users, especially bikers and runners who may not see these hazards in advance. The work completed by volunteers will help make the trail safer and more reliable for everyone who uses it.
Improving drainage and resurfacing the trail also helps prevent future erosion and reduces long-term maintenance needs. The rock turnpikes protect sensitive wetland habitat by keeping trail use contained and preventing damage to surrounding areas.
Together, these improvements support a safer, more sustainable trail that more people can enjoy year-round.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 14+
Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Physical Difficulty:
This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible
Other Notes: Work will start within 300 feet of the parking lot. Volunteers may walk up to 1.5 miles to the furthest point.
If you enjoy trail maintenance projects, you can view similar projects here.
