Sikeston explores construction of city walking trail, authorizes improvements to Veterans Park

SIKESTON, Mo. -- An enhancement to Veterans Park may be the first step toward a community walking trail.

During Monday's regular City Council meeting, council members approved pursuing funding for a walking trail project with an estimated cost of $139,000.

Tom Austin said that over the years the Sikeston Veterans Park Committee has successfully brought in several artifacts to display at the park in honor of the U.S. armed forces.

"What we're looking for now is to take our park to another level," Austin said.

The Veterans Park Committee would like to have a professionally-built trail linking the artifacts and memorials at the Veterans Park, he explained, so visitors can more easily approach and view their informational plaques.

Jiggs Moore, city parks division director, said the city has $246,000 in federal Surface Transportation Board funds that are available through the Missouri Department of Transportation if the city connects the proposed Veteran Park trail to a community walking trail.

Building a trail alongside Campanella connecting the Veterans Park with the chat walking track around the Sports Complex lake would make the project eligible for the surface transportation grant funding, Moore said.

"We've got a fantastic Veterans Park," Mayor Jerry Pullen said. "I think this would be a great addition to it."

Pertinent address:

105 E. Center St., Sikeston, Mo.