News
May 23 2008
Stones River Greenway expansion under way
An expansion to the city's greenway system will give area walkers and bicyclists new routes to explore.
With 46 days down and 319 days of construction to go, phase two of the Stone Rivers Greenway Expansion is under way.
It will include three miles of trail, two bridge crossings, three pavilions, two overlooks, a restroom and several sections of boardwalk. Running from Old Fort Park to the south side of Stones River on Highway 99, phase two is expected to be completed by April 2009.
Phase two, estimated to cost $3.4 million, will connect to the end of the existing Stones River Greenway at Old Fort Park. The new trail will continue through Old Fort Park and end on the north side of the bridge crossing the Stones River on Old Fort Parkway.
Phase one, which was completed in February 2006 at $1.3 million, is .75 miles long and features a large pavilion and concession/bike rental area.
The Cason Trailhead, which is near the intersection of Cason Trace and Stoney Meadow Drive, will allow visitors an entry point into phase two of the greenway.
"It will serve the residential community area and allows good access to the trail," said Angela Jackson, program coordinator for Greenways and Wetlands for Murfreesboro's Parks and Recreation Department.
It also will include a smaller connector trail, which offers a scenic route of the landscape.
"They do everything they can to go around natural features of the area and preserve and protect what we're trying to showcase," Jackson said describing how the paths are paved.
Stones River Greenway dates back to September 1992, said Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Rainier.
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Murfreesboro, secured direct appropriations for the project through the National Park Service. Then the city was able to plan, design and construct the greenway.
Additions to Murfreesboro's current greenway system are being built in four phases and when completed will have about 12 miles of trail along Stones River.
Phase three, estimated at $675,000, will be a mile and stretch from Highway 99 to where the river splits at the middle and west forks.
Phase four, at $3.3 million, will be two and a quarter miles plus .65 miles of spur trails. It will follow the west fork of the river to Barfield Crescent Park. Two bridges, three trailheads and two overlooks will be featured.
"We're hoping to advertise to the construction companies the summer of this year (for phase three)," Jackson said.
After a company is selected, work will begin and last about 120 days.
Jackson said the department will advertise for construction bids on phase four this fall. It will take about 360 days to complete, Jackson said.
Greenways have proven to be popular and well used by residents.
"Communities have learned to appreciate them and really use them," Jackson said. "It's a quality of life issue."
She said the trails provide connectivity through the city, offer an alternate form of transportation and promote a healthy lifestyle.
With 46 days down and 319 days of construction to go, phase two of the Stone Rivers Greenway Expansion is under way.
It will include three miles of trail, two bridge crossings, three pavilions, two overlooks, a restroom and several sections of boardwalk. Running from Old Fort Park to the south side of Stones River on Highway 99, phase two is expected to be completed by April 2009.
Phase two, estimated to cost $3.4 million, will connect to the end of the existing Stones River Greenway at Old Fort Park. The new trail will continue through Old Fort Park and end on the north side of the bridge crossing the Stones River on Old Fort Parkway.
Phase one, which was completed in February 2006 at $1.3 million, is .75 miles long and features a large pavilion and concession/bike rental area.
The Cason Trailhead, which is near the intersection of Cason Trace and Stoney Meadow Drive, will allow visitors an entry point into phase two of the greenway.
"It will serve the residential community area and allows good access to the trail," said Angela Jackson, program coordinator for Greenways and Wetlands for Murfreesboro's Parks and Recreation Department.
It also will include a smaller connector trail, which offers a scenic route of the landscape.
"They do everything they can to go around natural features of the area and preserve and protect what we're trying to showcase," Jackson said describing how the paths are paved.
Stones River Greenway dates back to September 1992, said Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Rainier.
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Murfreesboro, secured direct appropriations for the project through the National Park Service. Then the city was able to plan, design and construct the greenway.
Additions to Murfreesboro's current greenway system are being built in four phases and when completed will have about 12 miles of trail along Stones River.
Phase three, estimated at $675,000, will be a mile and stretch from Highway 99 to where the river splits at the middle and west forks.
Phase four, at $3.3 million, will be two and a quarter miles plus .65 miles of spur trails. It will follow the west fork of the river to Barfield Crescent Park. Two bridges, three trailheads and two overlooks will be featured.
"We're hoping to advertise to the construction companies the summer of this year (for phase three)," Jackson said.
After a company is selected, work will begin and last about 120 days.
Jackson said the department will advertise for construction bids on phase four this fall. It will take about 360 days to complete, Jackson said.
Greenways have proven to be popular and well used by residents.
"Communities have learned to appreciate them and really use them," Jackson said. "It's a quality of life issue."
She said the trails provide connectivity through the city, offer an alternate form of transportation and promote a healthy lifestyle.
