Oaklawn Foundation grant to fund Northwoods Trails expansion, open 2 lakes to more activity
Photo courtesy of Visit Hot Springs.
A $350,000 grant from The Oaklawn Foundation will lead to the expansion of Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails System, open two of the property’s lakes to water activities, and set up a kayak rental venue, among other projects.
The grant was announced last week by The Oaklawn Foundation and Traci Berry, Visit Hot Springs’ trails coordinator.
“We are beyond grateful and excited for The Oaklawn Foundation grant award and what it will allow us to accomplish within an already amazing amenity for our community and visitors,” Berry said. “We are stoked for the community ownership this has the potential of creating.”
“The Oaklawn Foundation is proud to support the Northwoods Trail Expansion, an investment that strengthens our community’s access to outdoor recreation and promotes healthy living for young and old, improving the quality of life for the residents of Garland County,” said Briana Moore, chair of the Oaklawn Foundation Board.
The grant will fund four projects:
- Expand the trail system around Sanderson Lake, the last of the three lakes on the 2,000-acre city property to have trail developed around it.
- Open the upper two lakes on the property to limited non-motorized water activity.
- Lease a kayak rental kiosk for water recreation use.
- Redesign and print of all trail signage, with the addition of water trail signage.
“The addition of these projects at the Northwoods site will continue the amazing progress we have made in opening this beautiful Hot Springs resource for a wonderful healthful recreation for our residents and the visitors who find still one more reason to make Hot Springs their choice for vacation,” said Hot Springs City Manager Bill Burrough.