Springdale to open walking trail at Knapp Elementary

The city of Springdale is building a 1,850-foot-long walking trail at Linda Childers Knapp Elementary school. The joint-use trail will be open to students and the public within a week, weather permitting, said Melissa Reeves, director of public relations for the city.

Springdale residents and the Springdale School District will share use of the trail, made possible by a $30,000 Arkansas Department of Education grant funding joint-use trails between cities and school districts. The school district has received 31 grants through the ADE’s Joint-Use Agreement Program, according to the city.

The Knapp Elementary trail marks the 20th joint-use trail between the schools and the city since 2010, and grants also have been used to build or renovate soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and playgrounds. One grant was used for the installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Luther George Park in a partnership with Archer Learning Center, Reeves said.

“The city participates in this program because it promotes physical activity while supporting Springdale public schools and benefiting our residents,” Reeves said. “These walking trails are used by students, faculty and staff during school hours and open for anyone in the city to enjoy when school is not in session. We appreciate the ADE’s support as we develop these amenities for the enjoyment of our community.”

The JUA grant program was founded in order to promote health through physical activity and fosters ongoing partnerships between public schools and other entities, including cities and organizations, to share spaces that meet a common need, according to the ADE website.

JUA grants are funded by the state’s tobacco tax, according to the website.