Lyon College receives $100,000 grant to develop SCOTS Cross Country Trail
Lyon College has received a $100,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) through the 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to enhance the SCOTS Cross Country Trail.
The funding will be used to resurface and improve accessibility on the college’s scenic bluff trails, ensuring safer and more functional pathways for students, faculty, staff and the community. These improvements will foster environmental stewardship, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance recreational opportunities in the Batesville area.
“This grant underscores the importance of fostering connections between our campus and the natural beauty surrounding us,” said Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College. “By improving the SCOTS Cross Country Trail, we’re not only enhancing the experience for our students and employees but also supporting community access to outdoor recreation.”
The TAP, reauthorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funds transportation alternatives for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation. TAP is an 80% federal and 20% local match reimbursement program that supports projects such as trail construction, safety infrastructure and the conversion of abandoned railroads into trails. A portion of TAP funds is allocated to the RTP, which focuses on recreational trail development and maintenance. For 2024, ARDOT awarded 54 TAP projects totaling $16.7 million and 11 RTP projects totaling $2.5 million.
“This project represents a collaborative effort to enhance both safety and accessibility on the bluff trails,” said Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement at Lyon College. “We’re grateful for ARDOT’s support and look forward to creating a resource that will benefit the entire community for years to come.”
The SCOTS Cross Country Trail is a central feature of the college’s outdoor recreational program, the Lyon College Education and Adventure Program (LEAP). The improvements will make the trails more inclusive and functional for a variety of users.
“Resurfacing and enhancing the trails will allow us to expand outdoor education and adventure opportunities for our students,” said Mac Harn, director of LEAP. “The upgrades align perfectly with our mission to connect students with nature and encourage active lifestyles.”
The project will also support the Safe Scots program. Amanda Roberts, director of the Safe Scots program, emphasized the importance of accessible trails in promoting health and wellness.
“Having well-maintained trails is critical to encouraging outdoor activity and a sense of well-being among our campus and community members,” Roberts said. “These improvements will make a real difference in ensuring everyone can enjoy the trails safely.”
Earlier this year, Lyon College received a $30,000 grant from the Intimidator Group and The Toro Company as part of nearly $90,000 in funding to five local nonprofits, which also supports trail improvements.