SPRINGDALE — Several dozen Springdale residents dropped in at City Hall about noon Monday to see what the Razorback Regional Greenway project holds in store.
AT A GLANCE
Greenway Workshops
Workshops to share information about the Razorback Regional Greenway are scheduled this week.
Today
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Lowell Council Chambers, City Hall, 216 N. Lincoln St.
Wednesday
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Rogers Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 W. Chestnut St.
For more information about the workshops and the Greenway, visit www.razorbackgreenway.com or contact:
Celia Scott-Silkwood, Northwest Arkansas Planning Commission, 1311 Clayton St., Springdale, 479-751-7125, [email protected].
Source: Staff Report
There were the usual questions about where the trail will go, what side of the street it will be on and what impact it may have on property. But, there were also people genuinely excited about the potential the trail has for improving the community.
“Really, I’m tickled to death. We’re going to use it constantly,” said Peggy Maringer, a 30-year Springdale resident. “I think the climate is changing in Springdale. We’re starting to embrace our citizens.”
Rather than driving, Maringer said she hopes to use the trail for quick trips downtown to the post office or bank. She’d also consider using the trail system to get to her work at Fayetteville Farmer’s Market, if she could figure out a way to carry less stuff.
Maringer, who lives near George Elementary, said she expects the trail to improve the feel of the neighborhood and eliminate several dangerous areas where pedestrians and bicyclists interact with traffic.
“It gives families a chance to get out and ride bikes or walk. Kids can’t ride bikes in Springdale. You can’t get downtown without getting in a car,” said Ron Mynatt, a glass blower who has worked to get a city trail system for at least six years. “To me, it’s a quality of life issue. It’s parents not having to worry about their kids.”
Mynatt said it’s important for people to be able to get out and enjoy their neighborhoods. He hopes the trail provides impetus to the city to build more and better sidewalks, improve narrow roads and connect more neighborhoods to the primary trail.
Bill Kendrick said the trail could split his property that straddles Mill Creek.
“I’m not dead set against it, but I do have some concerns,” Kendrick said.
Velma Grigg and her daughter, Emily, came because they’d heard some houses in their neighborhood might be condemned. They were relieved to hear that plans only call for widening sidewalks in their area.
A lot of people wanted to see how they can get to the trail from their homes, where the trailheads and parking will be, if children can walk or ride to school, how the system will be maintained and what safety measures will be taken at major street crossings.
“We’ve got people who have concerns, we knew we’d have that,” said Pasty Christie, Springdale planning director. “But, we’ve also got a lot of support.”
Christie said the format and timing of the sessions gives flexibility to residents interested in the trail. They have a chance to come by during lunch or on their way home from work.
Plans call for the 36-mile trail to eventually wind the length of the Northwest Arkansas metro area, from south Fayetteville to Bella Vista.
Two sessions a day are planned for Lowell and Rogers this week. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and planning consultants, Alta/Greenways, are hosting the workshops.
Staff and project consultants will be at each of the workshops to introduce the scope of the project and gather public input. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, write and draw on maps, and learn about future opportunities to stay involved.