Work on walking trail expected to begin soon

It is hoped the wildlife trail will be completed by Earth Day

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

— Work is expected to begin soon on a project improving and extending the walking trail in Pop Allum Park in Gravette.

The Gravette City Council Thursday night approved a contract with Hutchens Construction, of Springdale, to upgrade and improve the present trail and add 1,000 additional feet to complete a circuit. The trail is located south of the baseball complex.

The project is being funded by a $72,000 nonmatching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism andthe Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

According to Allyson Ransom, Gravette communications and resource efficiency director, who wrote the grant application, the present 737 foot unpaved trail will be upgraded and an additional 940 foot trail will complete the loop.

When completed, the trail will be 10 feet wide, asphalt paved and made handicap accessible. Parking and a ramp at the trailhead, just south of the large ball field, will be added. Access to the trail will be from Eighth Street S.W.

Park benches and additional interpretive features will add to the landscape to complement the site as an ideal “birding area.” Native wildflowers will also become points of interest along the trail which borders wooded areas.

Ransom said that William Tapp’s shop class at Gravette High School will be making bird boxes and identification signs for trees and plants which will complement the trail.

The trail design is such that it can be extended when additional funds become available.

Ransom said it is hoped the wildlife trail will be completed and ready for a grand opening on Earth Day in April.

Community News, Pages 7 on 02/01/2012