U of A is Unveiling Natural Trails on the Oak Ridge Hillside

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Oak Ridge trailhead

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A public ribbon cutting will be held on the new paved trail of the Oak Ridge Hillside at 3 p.m, Thursday, May 30. Key stakeholders are scheduled to speak during a brief program, followed by a brief walking tour of the new trail system lead by Chris Crone of Progressive Trail Design.

You can reach the event from McIlroy Avenue and Fairview Street by following the stairs beside and behind the McIlroy House, home of the University of Arkansas Press. You can also get there from the parking lot behind the FIJI House on Garland Avenue. Free parking is available.

Since fall 2018, the University of Arkansas has collaborated with Progressive Trail Design and the Walton Family Foundation to establish a new natural-surface trail system on campus.

The Oak Ridge is a wooded hillside between the Walton College of Business and Clinton Street. Over the past six months, informal paths have been reclaimed and replaced with a sustainable trail system that enhances the safety and aesthetics of the Oak Ridge.

The updated system of paths includes decomposed granite trails, gateway mountain bike trails, cedar steps, and flagstone trailheads. Each natural surface provides a unique experience while fulfilling the design considerations of that area. The finished product is durable, low-impact, scenic, and fun for users.

Eric Boles, director of the U of A Office for Sustainability, said the trail’s proximity to campus, residents, and schools make it perfect for both recreation and transportation.

“I’m glad to see this scenic hillside receive an enhancement that will improve the experience of all users,” Boles said. “Whether you’re walking to class, going for a jog, or rolling a mountain bike towards Mount Kessler, you’ll enjoy the reimagined Oak Ridge.”

The Oak Ridge is the first of three natural-surface trail installations on the U of A campus to be completed over the next couple of years. The work is supported with a grant from the Walton Family Foundation along with U of A matching resources for site work and land allocation.

To learn more about cycling at the University of Arkansas, visit bike.uark.edu