Electronic counters track data at Fort Smith outdoor trails

The Southwest Times Record

FORT SMITH, Ark.— While many people who walk trails around Fort Smith have devices to count their steps, the Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization's transportation planner now has something to count both walkers and mountain bikers.

Three electronic counters that can pick up metals and infrared signatures were recently placed on trails to get an idea just how much they are being used. Data will help local groups like Friends of Recreation Trails (FORT) apply for grant funding to add resting benches, as well as maintain and expand trails in the area, the Southwest Times Record reported.

Cody Schindler, transportation planner for the Frontier MPO, placed hidden counters earlier this month on the Greg Smith River Trail, the Wild Hogs Tracks Trail in Ben Geren Regional Park and at Lake Alma Park. Since two of the counters can pick up body heat, some wildlife may slightly throw off numbers, Schindler said.

"Right now, we have no idea how many people are using the trails," Schindler said of why the counters were purchased. "We just know they fluctuate with the seasons."

"Having the counters will enable us to quantify the usage of the trails, which could help lead to more trails," Bill Hanna of FORT wrote in an email. "More trails is something I think about every time I come to a dead end. Which at this point is often."

Hanna said he hopes with increased use of trails the people who are now using them will lead to more use from others who not currently using trails.

"Good data should lead to good outcomes and more of what the city needs, and that is more amenities to attract and retain people," Hanna wrote.

The counters and a fiveyear software plan were paid for using $2,300 from the Frontier MPO budget.

As an example of the information that is being obtained through the counters, a weekday test of the counter showed traffic at the Greg Smith River Trail head was busiest at 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.

Over a few days of use, the counter placed at Wild Hogs Tracks Trail to count mountain bikers showed most users, 48 percent were on Saturday, with 34 percent on Sunday and 18 percent on Monday. are the

By John Lovett