More than $290,000 in grants will be used to build bicycle and pedestrian trails and enhance trail access in Springfield, Bolivar, Rockaway Beach and Table Rock State Park, Gov. Jay Nixon announced March 24 during a visit to Springfield.
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks will apply $85,000 of the grant funding to build a hard-surface trail linking its main education building – now under construction – with one of the educational trails at Valley Water Mill Park. The new trail will be accessible for individuals with disabilities, and its pervious surface will reduce pollution through runoff, according to a news release from Nixon’s office.
The funding is part of $2.3 million in Missouri Department of Natural Resources awards through its Recreational Trails Program for 32 trail projects statewide.
Other area trail grants:
- The city of Bolivar is receiving $85,702 to construct 1.8 mile trail to promote healthy outdoor recreation. The trail of hard surface and crushed gravel will connect several recreational facilities, including the swimming pool and skate park.
- The city of Rockaway Beach is receiving $84,323 to construct a trail that is accessible for disabled individuals and a pedestrian bridge for access to Lake Taneycomo’s Mallard Bay Island. The island, which has a glade, wetland, primitive camping areas, bird-breeding sanctuary and outdoor classroom, has been unaccessible by foot for 20 years, the release said.
- Table Rock State Park near Branson is receiving $35,210 for improvements to the 10.25-mile White River Valley Trail, which is used for hiking and mountain biking. Three trailheads will be constructed, providing parking, benches, information and restrooms for users. Funds also will provide an all-terrain vehicle for trail maintenance, patrol and emergency services.
“All across Missouri, trails will not only provide recreational and educational opportunities, they also are major outdoor attractions that strengthen communities and enhance the local economy,” Nixon said in the release. “These grants and the trails they will help build represent solid partnerships between the state and community organizations to benefit better physical and emotional health, smarter minds and stronger economies.”[[In-content Ad]]
