The Board of Directors of the Simon Kenton Pathfinders (SKP) recently invested in the future of the Simon Kenton Trail (3) by upgrading their mowing equipment. The SKP purchased from their maintenance funds a 2023 Ventrac Model 4520P tractor, to replace a similar 20-year-old piece of equipment. Cost of the new equipment was $27,700, purchased through a trail partner, Koenig Equipment in Urbana.
The need to upgrade became apparent during the past couple of years, as the old tractor required more and more replacement parts and service, as well as being in the repair shop too much! In addition, parts were getting much harder to find on such an old piece of equipment. The tractor is mostly used for mowing the south part of the Simon Kenton Trail but takes many attachments and has lots of versatility.
Working with Koenig Equipment and using SKP’s tax exempt status, as well as receiving government/non- profit pricing, the SKP was able purchase a new tractor at a great savings; thus, using invested monies wisely. The older tractor is being sold to put some funds back into SKP's investments.
The new Ventrac has a few new safety and comfort features: most importantly, strobe lights, mirrors, better control panel, and Slow Moving Vehicle emblems. Early in October, employees of Koenig’s conducted an in-service training on all the new features of the new equipment for SKP’s volunteer maintenance crew. The crew members are ready to roll, keeping the Simon Kenton Trail well maintained!
Some of the maintenance crew from the Simon Kenton Pathfinders being trained in the use of the new Ventrac tractor, recently purchased from Koenig Equipment (Photo courtesy of SKP)
Unique among trail-managing agencies in the Miami Valley, Simon Kenton Pathfiders is an independent non-profit entity which exists for the benefit of the Simon Kenton Trail. Currently the SKP manages and maintains 28 miles of trail in Champaign and Logan Counties; a role handled by park districts in most of the rest of the Miami Valley Trails. Through the years of planning, construction, and operation of the Simon Kenton Trail, the SKP has built strong partnerships with cities, villages and county engineers to bring this beloved trail to reality.
SKP began with only 17 members. Today they have over 150 active members. Like any non-profit organization, Simon Kention Pathfinders needs volunteer support to maintain and improve the Simon Kenton multi-use trail in Champaign and Logan counties. Take a look at their website for membership, volunteer and donation opportunities.
Many thanks to SKP President Jim Cook for assistance on this article.
