Cycling proponents Chris and Rene Creed of Festus have purchased an 820-acre piece of property off Plattin Road south of Festus where they plan to create bike, hiking and nature trails for public use.
The two own and operate the Pedal’n Pi bike and pizza shop in Crystal City and operate the Living Life on 2 Wheels nonprofit group that promotes bike riding and provides schools with bikes so students may learn how to ride.
The Creeds have long wanted to create a place where people can go to bike, hike and enjoy nature and have taken a step closer to making that a reality.
“We’ve purchased property, and Express Mart will kick off a fund-raiser for us so we can build trails on the property,” Chris Creed said. “We acquired it in late 2021. We bought it from my father-in-law, Gary Surdyke.”
Creed declined to say how much he and his wife paid for the property.
The Creeds do not yet have a target date for when the trails might open.
“It just depends on fundraising,” Chris Creed said. “We’re also hoping for some grants.”
Home Service Oil, which operates Express Mart stores around the county, began its fundraising effort for the trail project on March 11 and as of Monday, March 28, had raised $11,398.12, a company spokeswoman said.
The fundraising effort calls for participants to contribute money to the project by buying bike cutouts for $1 or $5 at area Express Mart stores.
In addition, Express Mart and Home Service Oil will hold a fishing tournament in the fall on behalf of Living Life on 2 Wheels, the spokeswoman said.
In addition to the public trails, Chris Creed said a residential development eventually could be built on the property, along with other commercial ventures, like a campground and a National Interscholastic Cycling Association race course.
“We’re looking to have an adventure community with some housing, possibly,” Chris Creed said.
He said part of the inspiration for the project is the community of Bentonville, Ark., which he considers a mecca for adventure activities.
“If we invest in this type of infrastructure, everyone will benefit,” Creed said.
He said plans call for the trails to be built first.
“Developing trails for both cycling and walking/hiking that are open to the public is our first priority,” Creed said. “Living Life on 2 Wheels will have a trail easement that allows the nonprofit to develop these trails, maintain these trails and offer them for free public use.”
Rene Creed said she believes the proposed facility will draw people to the area.
“Families need more outdoor adventure to get them off their devices and back into nature,” she said. “Cycling comes with both mental and physical wellness. Studies have shown this. Why wouldn’t Jefferson County want this?”