Thousands of Missourians across the state are challenging themselves to log 100 miles of outdoor activity before the year ends. Columbia Parks and Recreation officials held a dedication ceremony for the Greenbriar Trail connector yesterday evening.
For Parks and Recreation Director Mike Griggs, safety for residents was the biggest concern. The new connector trail links about 1,500 homes in the Green Meadows area to the Columbia trail system that were previously without access.
“Well we’re connecting to a neighborhood that really has no good access to the trails system,” Griggs said. “If you wanted to ride your bike or walk to come in to work or to the university campus there really wasn’t a good way other than walking down Providence Road and that’s not very safe.”
Griggs says he’s confident the new half-mile paved trail will see a lot of use from surrounding residents. Gloria Crull lives near the Green Meadows area and walked down the new trail to attend the dedication ceremony. She says it makes her grateful to live in Columbia.
“Well lots of parks and opportunities for recreation at very little cost and so it’s affordable for everyone to get on a trail and go where ever they like,” Crull said.
Governor Jay Nixon joined Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid and University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe to help reveal the Greenbriar Trail connector to the public. Nixon also officially launched his 100 Missouri Mile initiative yesterday evening during his appearance at ceremony in Columbia to encourage physical activity.
“Just that I think not only is it good for health, it’s also good for people to get out and explore,” Nixon said. “We didn’t get to be first by accident, there’s some great trails in Missouri like these in Columbia and the Katy Trail and others across the state.”
“American Trails” magazine recently voted Missouri as the 20-13 Best Trails State Award, and that’s a fact Nixon says he is proud of.
This new addition to the trail in Columbia is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program and maintained by Columbia Parks and Recreation.
