North DSM News

Summer is a busy time of year for families within our community, but we want to ensure the safety of those cycling. We have 45+ miles of trails and want to ensure cyclists have a place to repair their bikes should they ever need them. There are five bike repair stations in Johnston.

1. Terra Park – north side of the large shelter (near the women's restroom)
2. Crown Point Community Center – north side of the building (along the sidewalk)
3. Ray Schleihs Park – just east of the playground equipment (along the trail)
4. Lew ClarksonPark water trail access – south side of Beaver Creek (near the water trails entrance)
5. NW 70th Avenue water trail access – south side of the trail (near the emergency call station)

A few of the bike repair stations have a special meaning to the parks.

Ray Schleihs Bike Repair Station

Russ Ostrander installed the repair station at Ray Schleihs Park as part of his Eagle Scout Project. He is a former Scout with Johnston Pack 29. Russ wanted to add this station to the park because it was close to his home and the first true stopping point as bikers ride over the Trestle to Trestle Bridge. Russ recognized how many bikers used this path daily, so he wanted to ensure cyclists had the proper tools to fix their bikes.

Russ worked with the Johnston Parks Department to install the repair station. He thanks the Johnston residents who supported his project by purchasing greenery or donating funds to help buy the Bike Repair Station & concrete for his Eagle Project. Russ will be a senior at Johnston High School in the 2022-23 school year and is enrolled in the Iowa National Guard. 

Russ Ostrander, Johnston Pack 29 donated the repair station for his Eagle Scout Project.

Crown Point Community Center Bike Repair Station

In 2017, members of the Rotary Club of Johnston put the finishing touches on the bike repair station as a community service project. The station allows cyclists to inflate a tire, repair a flat or make repairs and adjustments to their bike. Funds for the project were provided through a grant from the Rotary Foundation, matching funds raised by members of the Rotary Club of Johnston, and community fundraising efforts.

If cyclists stop by the station and are unsure how to use it, they can scan the QR code or visit www.dero.com/bike-repair to view a list of the common repairs.

We enjoy seeing cyclists in the Johnston community and we hope the repair stations are useful for those who may experience a flat tire or broken chain while on the trails.

Original source can be found here.