OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A plan to develop a nature preserve in northeast Oklahoma City is raising concerns among the cyclist community. The plan could impact those who use the city's multi-use trails system. "This section will literally complete the whole trail, and it is currently being hung up by changes by the current landowners," said Kevin Farmer, Oklahoma Bicycle Society. The Deep Fork River Trail was designed by Halff Associates to be constructed in five phases. Four of the phases are funded, and three are completed. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Nature Conservancy announces first bison calf Phase 2 is designed to run between Lincoln Boulevard and Kelley Avenue. The route would cross property that was purchased by the Kirkpatrick Family Fund to create the Red Ridge Nature Preserve. The plan was already in place before the purchase. "There's no easement, there's nothing that allows the city to build that trail at this point," said Liz Eickman, director, Kirkpatrick Family Fund. Eickman says the planned route threatens the area's ecosystem. "It's in conflict in terms of how animals and how plant life and just how we develop that area that is closest to the deep fork and the trail could have potentially cut off access to water," said Eickman. The Kirkpatrick Family Fund says it fully supports the trail, but is asking the city to consider other routes. "I think we're going to come up with a solution that meets the city's goals and our goals. I think it'll be a win-win," said Eickman. Melinda McMillan-Miller, director of parks and recreation, spoke at a recent city council meeting and stated that Phase 2 will be completed. “We are working very diligently with the Kirkpatrick Foundation to try and find a mutually beneficial solution for both entities,” McMillan-Miller said. She says the design team from Halff Associates is currently looking at alternative routes and will present the city with other options in early fall. Cyclists like Farmer say there aren't many other options in the area that are safe. LOCAL NEWS: Allergy alert issued for ‘very high’ tree pollen counts "The only way to do this is either to drive down to get on 50th Street, which is a very busy street, or across on 63rd Street, which is even busier than 50th Street is," said Farmer. Farmer adds that Phase 2 is also already funded. "We would like to see this happen as it's envisioned and hopefully happen as soon as possible and not have any further delays," said Farmer. On March 25, an application to rezone the property to allow the nature preserve was introduced to the city council. A final hearing is set for April 22. News 4 will keep you updated. ...read more read less