He's crawled the length of Riverfront Trail on his hands and knees

Juanita and David Neitling with their dog Toby this morning show off Riverfront Trail and the recent plaque David received for maintaining it.

Neitlings take volunteering to next level, improving our community, infusing a spirit that lifts us all 

By Tom Peterson

Scott Baker may have said it best.

The Parks and Recreation Director said he teared up at times when he thought about what David and Juanita Neitling have contributed.

Dave Neitling filling the cracks on Riverfront Trail last spring.

“It is easy to get a little down,” he told David. “Seeing you out there is really inspiring… you are sending out ripples and tidal waves. Especially at Sorosis… I get calls… they say, I want to help like that other guy.”

David Neitling has been volunteering several hours a day at Sorosis Park and Riverfront Trail, hauling leaves, rock, patching cracks in the Riverfront Trail, cutting back brush and improving and shoring up the trail shoulder. 

When CCCNews wrote about him on two different occasions, the response was tremendous. It became clear how popular and well thought of Neitling is by the public at large. He’s a local legend, making an impression one crack, one wheelbarrow at a time.

This morning he was quick to point out the Klindt Cove Kiwanis Park sign of contributors, noting it has taken a team to improve The Dalles - see photo below. 

David and Juanita were recently recognized for their efforts by The Dalles Riverfront Trail Board with a custom-made plaque, stating, “for your persistent hard work and capital, protecting and preserving the community’s investment in the Riverfront Trail.”

Dan Durrow’s Hand-crafted plaque given to David Neitling for his volunteer effort on Riverfront Trail.

Board President Dan Durrow said David had likely saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by patching the cracks and maintaining the Riverfront Trail. Cracks lead to erosion of the bedding under the trail and do major damage if left unattended.

Durrow said the couple had given $15,000 in cash toward Riverfront Trail and had given another $20,000 in materials to repair it. 

“I don’t know where we would be without you two,” he said. Dan crafted the plaque for the Neitlings in his own workshop. “What a wonderful world we would have if everybody had that same attitude.”

“I am married to the man who crawled on hands and knees from one end of the trail to the other since 2011,” Juanita said laughing. 

Riverfront Board Member Terry Armentrout said David was also a great conversationalist. 

The backside of the plaque made for David Neitling.

“While he’s hacking through Russian Olives he can take you through theories on novelist Ayn Rand or Keynesian  Economics.” 

Katy Young, also a board member, was on Riverfront Trail on Mother’s Day last year and she ran into David filling cracks. “I just think of all those years you have worked to maintain that trail…,” she said. “We would not have been able to do what we have done if you did not fill those cracks.” 

David and Juanita were obviously excited about the recognition. But they are not letting it go to their heads. 

David said he was headed to Sorosis Park today to haul and put down some rock. 

Sign at the access to Riverfront Trail at Klindt Cove, with kudos to contributors who made the trail and park a reality.