New phase of trail construction is underway in Cape Girardeau

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has started a new phase of construction to add two sections of trail as part of the Cape Girardeau Comprehensive Plan adopted in December 2007.

The trails are part of what interim city manager Ken Eftink calls a "pretty aggressive and dynamic trail plan" to connect paths throughout Cape Girardeau. The goal is to extend the trails to create a loop around the city.

The current projects are primarily funded by federal grants assigned through the Missouri Department of Transportation. City funds account for 20 percent of the funding for each trail.

Construction on the $435,563 river walk extension began in December. It will extend a current path north about half a mile along the floodwall to Sloan's Creek near the Red Star Access boat ramp. High river levels have delayed progress on the trail, but plans call for construction to be completed by early August.

The North Park Trail is estimated to cost $500,000 and will run 1.2 miles from the Cape LaCroix Trail through Walden Park subdivision to the nature trail in Cape County Park North.

The start of construction on the North Park Trail depends on the outcome of negotiations regarding an easement on the route of the new trail. If the city reaches a settlement with the property owner, work could begin within 30 days and potentially be completed by the end of the fall. If no agreement is reached, the city can acquire the land through eminent domain, but construction could be delayed up to three months.

The current Cape LaCroix Trail, which is the product of an eight-year project completed in 2000, runs 4.5 miles from Shawnee Park through Cape Girardeau to Osage Park.

The trails are paved with either concrete or asphalt and can be used for a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, running and bicycling.

"Hundreds of people use the trails every day," said Cape Girardeau parks division manager Brock Davis. "We also host several walk/run events each year."

Davis said he expects the expansion to increase the number of trail patrons.

The Cape LaCroix Trail is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

astephens@semissourian.com

388-2654

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