A new surface and lighting are improving the experience of using the MLK Equality Trail. Construction wrapped up in Nov. on the City’s main pedestrian trail.
Using State and local funds, the trail section from W. Prospect Street to S. West Avenue received a new 12 foot wide concrete path, replacing an aging asphalt surface. The path was widened to allow for safer sharing, but also bring it up to modern standards and make it more assessable to people with disabilities. Intersections with W. Prospect Street, Fourth Street and S. West Avenue were made safer by installing new sidewalk ramps and warning lights to alert drivers.
The Parks and Recreation Department has secured State and Federal funds to reconstruct 2 miles of the 2.8 mile trail. In 2024, trail sections from S. MLK Drive to W. Prospect Street and S. West Avenue to the Optimist Rest Shelter will see construction.
Light installations along the trail were completed in summer 2023. Also funded by a State grant, 62 LED lights were placed along the path from W. Prospect Street to Weatherwax Drive. The entire length of the trail now has lighting. This improves safety and allows residents to use the path more frequently during the darker months of the year.
