The community showed up to celebrate “Take a Kid MTB Day” at Landen Deerfield on Saturday October 3, 2026. Over 50 people showed up with their kids to try the trails out, and each and every person shared their excitement and gratitude. Trek provided a fleet of bikes for everyone to test ride, and also fueled us with snacks and beverages.
I had the chance to talk with the trail building crew from Innovative Dirt Solutions. Jay & Beth Richardson, who worked with IDS, are so passionate about building trails for all skill levels, and this project was designed to encourage new riders, hikers, and runners to feel welcome and develop community together. They shared a story about two kids who frequently came to see the updates of their work, enthusiastic about what was happening. Known as “Q & A”, these two started mountain biking when they saw what was happening right in their own back yard. They would be the testers of how the trails felt to someone riding for the first time. Jay shared that he noticed them progress in skills over their time in reshaping the trails.
By the time this event took place, Q was catching some massive air on the jump line (which they call “Riding on the Edge”, so you can call it that if you’d like). I caught some video of him taking the leap, and I have alot to learn from him! He was even doing manuals and little bunny hops. Q has no idea how these experiences at Landen Deerfield will continue to mold him as he gets older. This is why we do what we do. The hype around bike parks and progressive features shifts a kid from being on an iPad to being outdoors, developing so many assets to positively impact their lives. Being outside is good for all of us, and these kids are showing us all how much they really love it!
We took a group photo, and the adults asked “can big kids join the photo too?”. The “Toys ‘R Us” motto that “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R Us kid” speaks to the adults, channeling their youthfulness by bikes. This made me smile. I know this all too well; I am also a big kid who loves to be on my bike. It’s fun to stay young!
These trails that once struggled with constant upkeep received a spa day (or months) have seen a new life dug into them, thanks to the hard work and vision from Innovative Dirt Solutions and the support of Warren County Parks. The community is showing up with trail users of all kinds. Sarah Hoffman, a local trail user and friend of mine, introduced me to a hiker who hikes them multiple times a DAY! The life that the trails have given to Landen Deerfield Park and the neighborhood have already seen a big impact. That’s what keeps the trails alive!
CORA is in the process of updating all of the trail mapping to reflect the new lines, so be on the lookout on Trailforks. For now, you can use a heat map on Strava, which will give you some recent interactions with the trails. Also be on the lookout for signage updates, coming soon!
In the meantime, come check out the trails for yourself!