Design of Cape trail extension almost complete

Plans for the extension of Cape LaCroix Trail are in the final design stage, according to Ken Eftink, director of development services for Cape Girardeau. Construction is expected to begin at the end of the summer.

The Cape Girardeau City Council met last week to move forward with property and easement acquisitions for the trail, and last Thursday a public hearing was held to discuss trail designs with property owners along the route.

"We want the best design for property owners," Eftink said.

Eftink did not think there will be much resistance by property owners; he cited success with the acquisition of property rights for earlier constructed sections of the trail.

"I'd like to think there's a support out there," he said.

Near the Conservation Campus Nature Center, the trail will pass through the residential area of Walden Park, property developed by River West Partners LC. According to Eftink, River West Partners will be responsible for the construction of the trail through the development; the city will be responsible for any necessary widening of the trail, the construction of the connection points and trail maintenance.

Property owners along the proposed route of the trail could not be reached for comment.

No pets, bikes in park

Despite the connection with Cape County Park North, Cape LaCroix Trail users with pets and bikes will not be allowed access to the connecting nature trails in the park.

"It's a nature trail, not a recreational trail," said Steve Juhlin, assistant manger of the nature center. "The purpose is to enjoy nature."

The nature trails in Cape County Park North are gravel, steep and have steps on them, making them impassable to bikes.

According to Eftink, bicycle racks will be installed where the nature trails and the Cape LaCroix Trail meet so users can leave their bikes if they wish to continue to the center.

Although no official plans have been drafted, talks are underway for a recreational trail that would connect the nature center directly with the Cape LaCroix Trail.

"We're trying to work with them to create a trail that would allow people to go all the way through," said Eftink, referring to the staff of Cape County Park North.

Juhlin suggested a separate, paved trail be constructed from the junction of the nature trails and Cape LaCroix Trail to the nature center or that the existing nature trail, the Paw Paw Valley Trail, be transformed into a multiuse trail.

"It's not about a bunch of rules and regulations, it's about meeting people's needs," Juhlin said.

Juhlin said that in addition to connecting Cape LaCroix Trail users with the nature center, the additional trail should allow visitors to the nature center access to the Cape LaCroix Trail to go out of the park.

Juhlin was not sure how a new trail would be funded, but he thought a joint effort between the city and the county would be a possibility.

When completed, the Cape LaCroix Trail will connect Cape County Park North, Arena Park, Osage Park and Shawnee Park.

Eftink expects the project to be completed in early spring, depending on the weather.

The budget for the project is $487,700 with $383,700 provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation for transportation improvements and amenities; $104,000 will come from local funds.

tthomas@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 197

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