The Arkansas River Trail is a bright spot in the city of Little Rock. It loops down past Rebsamen Golf Course and all the way out to Two Rivers Park and beyond.
There are miles of smooth pavement set aside for bikers, runners and anyone who just wants to enjoy the outdoors. However, if you’ve spent any significant amount of time on the Arkansas River Trail, you might have noticed a few hiccups in the design, namely the giant chunk missing.
In its current state, there’s a sizable gap where the trail all but disappears, sending its travelers on a strange and dangerous detour down narrow sidewalks and intersections flanked by traffic.
Here’s a video detailing one of the worst spots.
The “Close the Loop” movement is not a new one. Not long after Mayor Mark Stodola was elected, he started working toward improvements to the trail. At the monthly Little Rock Sustainability Commission meeting on Oct. 24, Mayor Stodola restated his commitment toward the project.
Below is a video outlining a potential plan for the renovations.
Currently, the plan has hit a snag until landowners can join a collective effort and get on the same page. Mayor Stodola and the rest of the Little Rock Sustainability Commission have high hopes that this will happen, heightening the quality of life in the city and continuing the vibrant sense of community surrounding the rest of the trail.
To keep updated on the progress, follow the Arkansas River Trail Facebook page. If you’re interested in finding out how you can help, click here.