GRAVETTE — Work is underway on the expansion and improvement of the Wildlife Walking Trail in Pop Allum Park in Gravette. Plans were announced for its official opening on Saturday, April 28.
Funded by a $72,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the project includes joining the original 737-foot unpaved trail with a new 940-foot-joining loop.
The entire trail, which extends more than a quarter mile, will be 10 feet wide and will be paved, making the route along wooded areas handicap accessible.
A parking area and a ramp are being constructed at the trail-head just south of the main baseball field in the park. Access is from Eighth Ave., S.W.
Additional park benches are being added, as well as other landscaping features, including large boulders, bird boxes, native flowers and interpretive signs.
The trail is designed so that extensions can be added when funds become available, said Allyson Ransom, who wrote the grant request.
The grand opening plans will be announced as they are finalized. They will include handouts for children, and Mayor Byron Warren will be providing free food services following the 10 a.m. dedication.
News, Pages 1 on 04/11/2012