26/04/2024
City to Host Ribbon Cutting Craighead Forest Park Soft Surface Trails
On Tuesday, April 23, the City of Jonesboro, AR - Government will cut the ribbon to open over 13 miles of soft surface trails. The ribbon cutting will take place at Craighead Forest Park, Pavilion 1, at 2:00 p.m. This new amenity sets Jonesboro up to be a mountain biking and trail-riding destination, adding to the quality of life in the city.
“As Arkansas is known as ‘The Natural State,’ it is fitting for Jonesboro to have its own soft surface trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy,” stated Mayor Copenhaver. “The trails provide growth in Jonesboro’s quality of place as well as creating more opportunities for tourism to Jonesboro, a beacon within Northeast Arkansas.”
The funding for this project was an investment of $500,000 from the City, with an additional grant of $301, 000. The design of the project and cost for the study were shared between Jonesboro Unlimited and the City, as a partnership in poising the city for future growth.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Danny Kapales, said, “The soft surface trail usage has created a great increase in out-of-state license plates in addition to increasing trail usage as a whole. We are looking forward to hosting more out-of-town guests as they discover the trails in Craighead Forest Park.”
Since the system soft opened last fall it has garnered glowing reviews as an enjoyable course that offers trails for all skill levels. Difficulty ratings are provided for each of the trails with signage throughout the trails, similar to ski resorts.
The latest investment in quality of place amenities coincides with various investments in cycle and pedestrian infrastructure around the city in recent years. “There is no doubt Jonesboro is behind the curve in pedestrian infrastructure, but we are working to change that. With support from Jonesboro Unlimited, the A&P Commission, The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas State University, and the City Council, we are working hard on catching up. This first round of soft trail offerings is rolling in the right direction.”