This award recognizes an individual that has made outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance. It is intended to recognize the efforts of a private or public sector individual working for enhanced trail recreation on either the local, state, or national level.
Renee Blaney receiving a "Points of Light" Award
As member and past President of the Ocala Mountain Biking Association (OMBA), Renee is an active, energetic leader of a vital group of volunteers who contributed 2,874 volunteer hours in 2007 to the development and maintenance of the very popular biking trails on the Cross Florida Greenway.
Under Renee’s leadership, OMBA worked closely with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to develop the off road bike trail network in the Santos area of the Cross Florida Greenway. Thanks to OMBA's strong volunteer support, the Santos trails received IMBA's "Epic Ride" designation in 2006, as the "best of the best" in mountain bike trails.
Renee has led OMBA to establish a volunteer Bike Patrol to enhance the safety of the trails for all trail users, and established the annual "Spring Break Fat Tire Festival" which attracts more than 300 participants. Renee commits her personal time and energy equally to the hard work and the inspiration involved in creating improvements for the trail, helping reduce trail user conflict and increasing trail visitation in a safe and controlled manner. She acts as a liaison with the DEP Office of Greenways & Trails and IMBA and helps ensure that the Cross Florida Greenway’s trails are well maintained and continue to enjoy a highly respected international profile. Renee was recognized for her tremendous support of trails with a Points of Light Award from Florida Governor Charlie Crist in April, 2008.
588 views • posted 01/16/2018
