Plans to connect the Singing River Trail to communities across North Alabama are moving forward. On Tuesday, residents were invited to learn about the vision for the 70-mile trail.
There’s been a year-long study of the Singing River Trail and Tuesday residents got to learn more about how the 70- mile trail will connect the Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, and Athens communities.
“You’ve got the major attractions like the US Space and Rocket Center, Wheeler Wildlife Rescue is going to be a huge part of the connectivity of the trail. We’re looking at how to connect the new Trash Panda stadium into the system,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of Land Trust of North Alabama.
The vision for the project is for it to be much more than a trail. Designers say it can be used for recreation, an alternative for transportation and educational opportunities.
“We do have a very rich history here in Native Americans and the trail will go along a lot of sites that we can bring that to light and share that story. And we’re working with the tribes to make sure we are doing that in the best way and accurate way,” Bostick said.
The trail is also projected to have a $13 million economic benefit.
“Projects like these help us spur the economy in different ways. Property values can increase, there’s an opportunity for tourism in the area,” explained Matt Hayes, Principal Alta Planning + Design.
Residents say plans for the singing river trail are on the right track. “We’re competing with other cities our size and other communities for talent and green-ways. Open spaces are a very important or a very key part of that,” said Huntsville resident Joe Fehrenbach.
If you missed Tuesday night’s meeting, you’ll have another opportunity to participate Wednesday. The meeting will be at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur from 5 pm- 7pm.
