SWC On Path To Trail System
Southwest City is on the path towards a local trail system following the recent presentation of a community trail plan and map detailing existing roadways and proposed improvements to boost pedestrian and bicycle transportation.
Southwest City is on the path towards a local trail system following the recent presentation of a community trail plan and map detailing existing roadways and proposed improvements to boost pedestrian and bicycle transportation.
The city’s zoning and planning commission voted to approve the community trail plan, constructed by the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, at a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 22.
Suggestions were made after extensive research, analysis of regional geography, identification of points of interest and input from local officials and community members.
Nikki Hill, with the HSTCC, reported 77 percent of those polled said improved walking conditions in town were very important. Specific issues included lack of overall connectivity, unsafe road crossings and poor sidewalk conditions.
The trail plan highlights priority needs in the city and recommends improvements to key sidewalks and intersections. Many of the recommendations are focused on sidewalks leading to the elementary school and the senior center as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. Heavy foot traffic fills the paths twice a day, five days a week, as kids walk to and from school, and ensuring the safety of these routes is vital.
The trail plan also suggests the addition of a nature trail in town. The proposed nature trail would stretch more than a half mile, from the historic Southwest City Cemetery, along Honey Creek and former railroad tracks, before reaching Blankenship Park.
Mayor David Blake noted that, eventually, the trail could connect with Gravette, Ark., and Grove, Okla.
“Southwest City could become an entryway into Missouri from Oklahoma and Arkansas,” said Hill.
To see any of the proposed trails to fruition, Southwest City needs a steering committee to organize projects, to seek funding and to work in collaboration with the zoning and planning board.
Those interested in joining the steering committee may contact Missy Zinn, city clerk, at 417-762-3767 for more information.