Rogers starts work on northern trail loop

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ J.T. WAMPLER Workers pour concrete Thursday at a bike park under construction in Rogers.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/ J.T. WAMPLER Workers pour concrete Thursday at a bike park under construction in Rogers.

ROGERS -- Construction crews started work on the northern portion of a trail loop Thursday that will make access to businesses and other key attractions easier for pedestrians and bicyclists in the future, city officials said.

Mayor Greg Hines said trails are important to Rogers' economy.

"It is a similar conversation that we have with folks about building the aquatic center and the sport parks," Hines said. "It is good for us and it's a quality of life amenity that's tied to the economy. People who move to Rogers from other places in the country expect these amenities."

The 3,500-foot portion of the trail will connect near Promenade Boulevard east of Home Depot and travel north to Oak Street, said Nathan Becknell, project engineer. The stretch of trail is part of a 15.6-mile loop that will connect the northern and southern portions of the city, he said.

"Most people view trails as a way to get out and exercise," Becknell said. "There is another way to view the trails. They can be used for getting around town without using a car. We are trying to provide that."

The City Council approved construction of the Promenade Boulevard to Oak Street trail for $582,000 in December. On Tuesday, the council approved building a $95,000 bridge on the trail to cross Turtle Creek. Both are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Becknell said the trail connects to that loops behind Home Depot. The trail connects into the Razorback Greenway, a 36-mile trail system that will run from south Fayetteville to north Bentonville once complete.

The Rogers trail currently dead ends at Promenade Boulevard, said Misty Murphy, Northwest Arkansas Council's regional trails coordinator.

"It can be frustrating for people because they want to continue on but they have to stop there," Murphy said. "This new trail will get people a little closer to their neighborhoods. Rogers recognizes the importance of getting these trails connected and that is what they are working toward now."

Another portion of the loop, a 6,400-foot stretch from Oak to Walnut streets, is planned to start in spring, Becknell said. It's estimated to cost $710,000 and will take about six months to build.

The Walton Family Foundation gave the city a $1.8 million matching grant to pay for 50 percent of the cost to design and construct the two portions of the trail, Becknell said.

The foundation supports city officials' vision to expand trails in the region, said Kevin Thornton, the foundation's senior communications officer.

"This trail is particularly important because it will provide a direct connection to the Razorback Regional Greenway," Thornton said.

The entire loop will help residents connect to many attractions once it's finished, said Barney Hayes, Rogers' parks director. This includes retail areas, parks, restaurants and neighborhoods, he said.

"It is just another step in gaining connectivity for the citizens who live in Rogers," Hayes said.

The last phase of the northern portion of the loop is in early design phases, Becknell said. It will connect from Rogers Regional Sports Park and end at a bike park being constructed just southeast of downtown, he said.

"We are still determining the route," Becknell said. "Construction is planned for early 2016."

A majority of the southern portion of the loop is already completed, Becknell said. What's left to do is small portion of the trail south of the bike park, he said. Another portion will be completed as the city widens Price Lane from Eighth Street to Dixieland Road.

Becknell said 10-foot wide sidewalks will be built along Price Lane. The construction project is expected to start this month and be completed by summer.

Overall, city officials are planning to construct about 17.7 miles of trails between 2015 and 2017, Becknell said. Some of the trails could include updates to sidewalks, he said.

The total number also include trails part of the loop such as about three miles of trails around Lake Atalanta.

NW News on 01/16/2015

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