The heavily used Phil’s Trailhead skills area is temporarily closed while it undergoes much-needed repairs and renovations.

The nearby pump track remains open, but must be accessed from Ben’s Trail.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the month, said Emmy Andrews, executive director of Central Oregon Trail Alliance, the nonprofit conducting the renovation work.

The work includes reconfiguring some of the elements in the course to improve their durability. Changes are also being made to enhance usability for riders of different ages and abilities.

“We are just now making it more of a full skills area,” said Andrews. “We’re adding some additional skills, some rock skills, a strider course for very young riders — just enhancing it to make it more fun and use the space a bit better.”

Central Oregon Trail Alliance is managing the project through a volunteer service agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. The cost of renovation is around $50,000, said Andrews. Major donors include the Mt. Bachelor Play Forever Fund, New Sun Energy and the Deschutes Trails Coalition.

“I am stoked to see it get updated,” said Dan McGarigle, owner of Pine Mountain Sports. ”COTA has put a lot of thought and effort into making this happen, and between paid contractors and volunteers I think we are we are going to get a really great update that people will enjoy.”

For information about trail closures, individuals may contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300.