A new multi-use trail system is coming to the Lake of the Ozarks, one step at a time.

The multi-stage project kicks off this weekend with the grand opening of its Magic Dragon Bicycle Skills Park.  The grand opening of the 70-mile park is scheduled for Sunday, October 9 from 2 to 5 p.m.  The entrance to the park is located near Tri-County YMCA on Airport Road. 

The co-chair of the Magic Dragon Trail Initiative committee Stacy Pyrtle says the project is the first stage of larger multi-surface trail system they’re hoping to build. 

“We want to put some hard surface trails in that area easy for moms to walk kids in strollers and maybe have a toddler with them on a strider or balance bike.  Also trail running, single track.  We have a large group of trail runners and endurance runners down here.  So, we’ll be doing a lot of trail running, as well as biking and walking and in-line skating.” 

Pryrtle says although the plan for the new trail system surfaced about two years ago, the labor for it just began in June.  She says they’re working with a professional trail design company, but the labor is local volunteers which makes them confidant they’re on the right track to serving a need in the community. 

“We wanted to really engage the community and it’s been amazing the number of people that have come out and help work on the trails this summer, in sweltering heat, mind you. So, it’s incredible.” 

Prytle says they hope to eventually connect their trail system into the Katy Trail via the Rock Island Trail.

“People could ride from St. Louis to Kansas City, drop down on the Rock Island Trail and then there is a Bagnell Spur, old railroad bed, and we can bring that down from Eldon off of the Rock Island Trail and people can ride down here at the Lake then as well.” 

The project is modeled after Bentonville, Arkansas’ trail system which offers more than 400 miles of trails.  Prytle says a 2018 study of that trail system shows is brings in more than $50 million annually, with more than half of their bikers from out of state.  She says this project could help extend the lake’s busy season beyond its typical Memorial Day to Labor Day season. 

Sunday’s event also includes a fall festival, with pumpkin painting, grab bags for kids, bounce houses, and more.  There will also be a raffle for at least three children’s bikes.

To learn more about Magic Dragon Bicycle Skills Park, visit their website at magicdragontrails.com or their Facebook page