Springdale looking to conduct study for potential new trail construction
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Springdale is looking to conduct a study that could add new trails that will run through the city.
Tristan Hill, Springdale’s active transportation coordinator, said the Springdale Pride Trail would run east to west and serve as a connection from the western part of the city to Downtown Springdale and the Razorback Greenway, something he said is “missing” right now.
“Hopefully, we walk away with something that’ll be usable for people on the day-to-day and connects the places that people want to get to,” Hill said.
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The study will cost $125,000 — 80% of which is coming from Carbon Reduction Program federal grants and 20% of which is contributed by the city of Springdale, Hill said.
There are two areas that will be studied: one section that runs from Watkins Avenue to Cambridge Street and the other that encompasses land that runs from Gutensohn Road to Pleasant Street.
Rick Chase lives within one of the neighborhoods that will be studied. He said he sometimes gets out on the trails but having one nearby would motivate him to get out more.
Chase also thinks there could be a positive environmental impact from more trails.
“There’s more and more people, so there’s a little bit more traffic,” Chase said. “I think it’d be great, man. I think it would cut down on emissions.”
During what’s projected to be an eight-month-long study once it is started, Hill said multiple factors will be examined to determine the best path that limits logistical and environmental issues.
“One is hydrology: where the flood areas are, where water detention locations are already present or may not be present,” Hill said. “There’s also land ownership. Who is willing to sell easements through their property to build a trail?”
Hill said if the city council approves a resolution to enter into a contract with Crafton, Tull & Associates at Tuesday’s meeting, the study could begin as early as within the next month.
If the city is allowed to move forward with construction of the trail after the conclusion of the study, Hill said the city will apply for more federal grant funding. He said it’s difficult to estimate exactly how much funding is needed before the study is completed.
However, Hill said on most trail projects, the cost is a little more than $1 million per mile. He said cost fluctuates based on length and what features may need to be added.
Hill said public input meetings will be held for residents to give their opinions on the project. By law, the city of Springdale is required to publish notices of public input meetings in the local newspaper, but Hill assumes “most people will likely find them” on social media or the city’s website.
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