Grand Junction Names Trail Loop for Local Resident

The 1.5-mile trail in Matchett Park recognizes a volunteer who spent three years cleaning the area.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Hiking

Bold vector editorial illustration depicting a winding gravel trail through a sage-filled high-desert landscape, representing community stewardship of public parkland. — Grand Junction officials have officially named a trail loop in Matchett Park 'Hershey's Loop,' honoring a local resident's three-year park-cleaning initiative. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The City of Grand Junction officially named a 1.5-mile trail loop in Matchett Park as Hershey's Loop in September 2026. The dedication honors Dave Lord and his dog, Hershey, for their three-year commitment to clearing trash from the local park.

Why it matters

The recognition follows a dedicated volunteer effort to improve public space cleanliness in Grand Junction. It coincides with the adoption of a formal municipal policy to standardize how the city handles future park naming requests.

The designated trail loop measures exactly 1.5 miles in length. The naming follows three years of documented cleanup efforts by local residents.

The players

Dave Lord

He is a local volunteer who spent three years removing trash from Matchett Park.

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

This municipal body oversees park management and recently established new guidelines for naming city facilities.

The details

Municipal officials approved the trail renaming in September 2026 after Dave Lord formally requested the honor. To finalize the location, a parks and recreation official used a tracking app to map the route now identified as Hershey's Loop.

February 2026: Dave Lord initiated the request for the trail naming.
September 2026: The City Council reviewed the proposal and approved the renaming.
October 2026: The Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Advisory Board adopted a new formal renaming policy.

Culture Shift

This dedication reflects a shift toward more formalized civic engagement and public space stewardship in Grand Junction. The adoption of the new naming policy establishes a structured framework for community members to contribute to the legacy of local parks.

Residents visiting Matchett Park can now utilize the mapped 1.5-mile loop for exercise and recreation. This official designation ensures that the path remains a maintained and recognized feature of the city's park system.

The takeaway

Naming public trails after local volunteers highlights the impact of consistent community service on shared spaces. Residents interested in similar recognition should review the new city guidelines for official naming proposals.