Gosnell completes first phase of walking trail

GOSNELL -- With the first phase of the new public walking track in Gosnell completed, the city is now looking at applying for further grant funding to finish out the project according to Mayor Don Marshall.

Last week, construction crews completed the first leg of the new walking track, which will run along the northbound lane of Highway 181 and stretch from Gosnell High School south to Lake Road and feature a half-mile loop in the middle, stretching from Shields Lane to Memorial Drive.

Now, the city's plans are to seek grant funding to complete the project, according to Marshall, who said he hopes to pass a resolution to apply for funding during Tuesday's regular city council meeting. The initial grant for the project was for $35,000, with an additional $140,000 still needed to complete the track.

Currently, with the city seeking further funds, there isn't a scheduled completion date for the track, but Marshall said he would like to see it completed by summer 2015.

In the meantime, Marshall encourages people to go ahead and make use of the portion that has been completed.

"It's a good little walk," he said.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com