A new ‘Old Railroad Trail’ opens

 

story and photos by Brittany Ransom
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It was a beautiful day to celebrate the dedication of the Old Railroad Trail in Fort Smith. A large crowd gathered at the entrance to the new trail, located near the intersection of Free Ferry Road and Rogers Avenue, on Saturday (April 3).

The Old Railroad Trail has been a project that has taken much time. The trail winds along where railroad tracks used to run through Fort Smith. Numerous volunteers spent countless hours working on the trail and getting it ready for public use. It is approximately three tenths of a mile and will eventually be a small section of a much larger five- to six-mile trail.

Mike Alsup, director of Fort Smith Parks and Recreation, welcomed the crowd and recognized the individuals who helped in the construction of the trail.

“We are very proud of this project and of the hard work that went into it,” said Alsup. “The Old Railroad Trail is a great example of an urban trail located right in the heart of the city.”

City Director Steve Tyler echoed Alsup’s comments adding that the trial is a “perfect example of how neighborhoods can together” to create something wonderful for all. Tyler also noted that no city funds were used to build the trail and that grants and donations by area businesses provided the bulk of the funding.

Alsup also explained that the day’s mission was “twofold” and the event was to also celebrate recent efforts at the Ruth Armstrong Nature Center across the street. The center reopened after being temporarily closed due to a non-native species threatening to harm native plant and wildlife.

Eighteen year-old Jake Kremers contributed to the Ruth Armstrong Nature Center by constructing a new foot bridge and two benches for his Eagle Scout project.

“I used to come to this nature center when I was little and it has always been a dream of mine to come back and here and do something that would benefit the area,” Kremers said Kremers.

He spent three months getting the project approved, obtaining donations and constructing the bridge and benches.

“This experience has been so rewarding. I am really proud to be able to give back to the center and to the city.”

Kremer was one of three scouts who chose to complete his Eagle Scout project at one of the two locations.

The Old Railroad Trail and the Ruth Armstrong Nature Center are open to the public. The nature center also includes a scenic walking trail. It is located off Old Greenwood Road near Creekmore Park.