In southeast Alamosa, there’s a trail network that tells a story bigger than dirt and gravel. It’s called the Toivo Malm Trail Network, and it’s more than a place to walk, hike, fish, or bird-watch—it’s a symbol of what happens when a community comes together with vision, care, and heart.

At SLV GO!, we believe that great trails aren’t just built for communities—they are built with communities. This post is a look behind the scenes at how an idea grows into a trail, through collaboration, planning, and shared stewardship.

Every trail starts with someone who sees possibility where others see empty land. For the Toivo Malm Trail Network, that spark came from a community champion—someone who recognized that this part of town, home to a majority Hispanic community, has historically been underrepresented in outdoor recreation and faces barriers to accessing the trail systems on the north side of Alamosa. They approached SLV GO!, excited by the idea of opening up trails that could connect community members to the outdoors and provide landmark access to the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Grande.

SLV GO!’s role is never to take over the vision—it’s to listen, learn, and help the community shape it. Through conversations, site visits, and community planning sessions, residents and local leaders identified the benefits a trail network could bring, the challenges to anticipate, and a plan for sustainability. They envisioned a trail system that would be accessible, welcoming, and environmentally conscious, reflecting the character of the community itself.

With broad community buy-in, including local residents and a private donor wishing to honor her father’s love for the outdoors, the trail network became a shared dream ready to take root.

Turning vision into reality takes resources—and SLV GO! helps connect the dots. From grants to partnerships with local agencies and private donors, the pieces came together to fund the project. In the case of the Toivo Malm Trail Network, private contributions honored a legacy, while grant support from Colorado Parks & Wildlife helped ensure the trails were designed for equitable access, bringing new opportunities for recreation to an area that had long been underserved.

With plans approved and funding secured, the work of implementation began. SLV GO! managed the project, coordinating volunteers, partners, and schedules. Then came the hands-on work of trail construction, led by the Great Outdoors Action Team (GOATs).

Today, the Toivo Malm Trail Network is more than a trail—it’s a hub of community life. Locals and visitors walk and hike its paths, birders wander quietly among the trees, and anglers cast lines into the Rio Grande. It’s a place of connection, health, and beauty, and a shining example of how community-driven planning can create spaces that serve everyone.

The story of the Toivo Malm Trail Network is proof that great trails don’t just appear—they’re built through vision, collaboration, and care. They begin with someone willing to imagine what could be, grow through community engagement, and flourish when people work together to make that dream real.

Even after the trails are complete, the work continues. The GOATs remain actively involved, partnering with the City of Alamosa to maintain and improve the trail system. Currently, they are building a puncheon—raising the trail tread with treated lumber to prevent flooding and keep the path accessible year-round. This ongoing stewardship ensures the trails remain safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for the whole community.

Every new trail is an opportunity: a chance for neighbors to connect, for families to explore, and for communities to leave a legacy of shared joy in the outdoors. At SLV GO!, we’re proud to walk this path together with our community.