The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 23, at 1 p.m., to celebrate the newest addition to the Batesville Greenway System in downtown Batesville. The event will take place in front of First United Methodist Church on Main Street.
This latest section of the Batesville Greenway Trail was funded through the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ARDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program, reauthorized by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The initiative supports projects that expand and enhance infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized transportation users.
Part of the Batesville Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, the new trail increases accessibility and safety for residents and visitors alike. The bike and pedestrian path replaces the former right lane of Main Street, beginning at Bank of Cave City at 12th Street and continuing to 5th Street.
The trail features new benches, trees, light poles, and decorative brickwork, designed to blend seamlessly with the downtown environment while offering a comfortable and scenic experience for users.
According to the City’s Master Plan, Batesville has a high need for alternative transportation options—with four percent of residents walking to work, more than double the state average, and many households owning one or no vehicles.
Long-term, the city plans to connect the Batesville Greenway to Riverside Park, creating a fully integrated system that supports recreation, health, and local transportation.
Parks Director Lowen Lermitte highlighted the project’s community impact:
“Greenway trails strengthen communities by protecting natural habitats and water quality, improving public health through safe recreation, and boosting economic growth by enhancing property values, tourism, and local pride.”
For more information about the ribbon-cutting, contact the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 793-2378 or visit www.mybatesville.org
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