This story is shared with permission from the Arnold Sentinel
The Arnold Village Board has given its approval to proceed with applying for a grant to fund a proposed walking trail from Old Mill Park to Arnold Lake, Campground and Recreation Area (ARA).
Arnold Economic Development Director (AEDC) Director Cheryl Carson presented the Hike & Bike Trail project during a special meeting held on June 24. The 0.36 mile trail would connect Arnold’s downtown, baseball fields, and the Arnold Recreation Area.
Funding for the project, with a current estimated cost of $500,000.00, would come from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Rural Community Recovery Program (RCRP), which requires a minimum funding request of $250,000.00. Currently, there is no percent match required for the RCRP grant. Applications for the grant are due July 22, and all funds must be used by September 30, 2026. The notice of award will be sometime in October 2024. Carson emphasized that this is a reimbursement grant funding source. No repayment will be required, if the purpose for the land project never changes. If it would change, then repayment of all funds awarded would be required. Arnold’s application would be based on Installation of Public Features. If funding is received, the Central Nebraska Economic Development District will assist in administration.
“The DED advises applicants to submit proposals for at least $250,000.00 in grant funds for a project. We can leverage our Edna B. Peterson funds and possibly any land gifting for match funding,” said Carson, who will explore more allowed funding sources through the Nebraska Game and Parks, Lower NRD, Nebraska DOT Alternative Transportation TAP funds, Custer County Tourism, Arnold Foundation, SORC, Nebraska Tourism, CDBG Tourism, and Custer County Foundation, to name a few.
Carson mentioned that the cost could possibly go up to $750,000.00, depending on any needed changes to a planned bridge or culvert system that will be constructed over the natural spring-fed waterway, inflation of construction materials, and additional estimates which were not available at the time of presentation for land acquisition and fencing.
The proposed trail would utilize land currently owned by the Village of Arnold and Robbi and Shelley Smith, and would be located west of the ball diamond, tree/grass collection site and Village storage. Trees could later be planted to create a natural visual screen. Smiths would transfer ownership of needed land to the Village of Arnold, and the land, measuring 20’ wide x approx. 1450’-1550’ in length, would become part of the Village’s parks system.
Carson went on to give Board members details of how the trail system would be constructed.
Fencing on both sides of the trail will be necessary. Surveying will be conducted on the east side to locate where fence placement will need to be, just inside the proposed trail location. The property line will provide base location for measuring off the 20’ wide span and placement of the second fence line on the west side of the trail. A portion of the trail will border two other property owners, so correct placement of the east fence is crucial. A third row of fencing will be added to the far west of the trail, reestablishing the alleyway that currently exits. Future taxation of land would fall under the same rules as all land owned by the Village.
The AD compliant trail will be constructed of poured concrete with a width of 8’ and a depth of 6”, providing ease of maintenance for Village employees, and allowing for use by pedestrians for walking, jogging and running, strollers, pulled wagons, roller blades, roller skates, bicycles, wheelchairs and golf carts. No motorcycles or large motor vehicles that are driven on streets and highways legally and normally would be allowed.
“An Adopt a Rest Location program would give future opportunities for organizations and individuals to help develop the trail features further after the initial installation,” said Carson. “If lighting is to be considered down the road, solar lighting would be preferred. The objective would be to keep the surrounding area as undisturbed as possible, as well as reasonably cost effective.”
