Ribbon cut at new Hiwasse walking trail

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Several area residents smile for the camera just after the ribbon cutting at the Hiwasse Park walking and bike trail Tuesday evening, April 9. Mayor Kurt Maddox and his wife Dawn were joined for the official opening of the trail by members of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, a city council member, Hiwasse residents and the engineer and contractor on the project.
Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Several area residents smile for the camera just after the ribbon cutting at the Hiwasse Park walking and bike trail Tuesday evening, April 9. Mayor Kurt Maddox and his wife Dawn were joined for the official opening of the trail by members of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, a city council member, Hiwasse residents and the engineer and contractor on the project.

HIWASSE -- A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, to officially open the new walking and bike trail at Hiwasse Park. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Kurt Maddox and his wife Dawn, members of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, a city council member, members of the Hiwasse community and representatives of Sand Creek Engineering and Verzani Construction LLC.

The 1/4 mile concrete trail hugs the perimeter of the Hiwasse Park. Good weather this spring allowed workmen to complete the project ahead of schedule and it is already being enjoyed by area residents. It was constructed by Verzani Construction LLC and is one in a series of improvements planned for the park and funded through the $2.5 million parks portion of the bond issue approved by Gravette voters.

Members of the Gravette Gleamers 4-H Club planted a Nuttall oak tree near the trail the evening before the ribbon cutting which will produce colorful maroon foliage this fall.

Other improvements already constructed at the park include a restroom building, an open-air pavilion and a playground area. Future plans for the park include the installation of basketball and tennis courts, funded in part by a $139,000 Outdoor Recreation Grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The remainder will be paid from the bond fund.

Community on 04/17/2019