Little Rock's New River Walk

Little Rock is a city in the Ouachita Mountains of south central Arkansas. It's a terribly old and low range with lakes, rivers and beautiful wildflowers on the ledges and crags of hilly slopes. With a population of over 600,000 citizens and a large medical center and community, Little Rock's city leaders have focused immense efforts on publicizing and funding an already vibrant project to expand the existing trails systems in the city and beyond..

In 3003, physicians raised $350,000 to fund the "Medical Mile" of the Arkansas River Trail project. These efforts came about from a collaboration between the park services, trails organizations, doctors and conservationists and have formed a model for the entire country which emphasizes the symbiosis between exercise and good health. This part of the Trail is an asset to the community both aesthetically and as a practical benefit, emphasizing the connection between a healthy life style and quality of life. There's a 1300- foot, three-dimensional mural wall, and a wellness promenade where art is displayed beyond the entry plaza. In the Plaza, plaques or markers remind walkers that a healthy mind and spirit are key steps toward a healthy body. Both beautiful and practical, this stretch of the River Walk is located along the river in the central district at Riverfront Park. It can be waked, run, or roller bladed. It is available for the physically unfit as well as the physically fit. All who enter the Park are reminded scenically that a fit life is a happier life. Smoking cessation, diet changes and exercise can reduce chronic diseases by 70%. This is the message of this historic Mile.

The Medical Mile is just a tiny part of a huge project that is the Arkansas River Trail, which will make a "fourteen mile loop with an additional ten mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The entire trail will eventually connect with the 225-mile Ouachita Wilderness trail, creating a vast network of walking and hiking trails that will boost not only health, but create a protected, beautiful area that will be adjacent to land developed with upscale homes, parks and shopping. So the economic boost from this trail will benefit Little Rock and the entire surrounding area. The River Trail will go from Downtown to Pinnacle Mountain State Park on the river's southern shore; on the north shore it will proceed from downtown to Cook's Landing. Both will connect to each other with a pedestrian bridge across Murray Lock and the refurbished railroad bridge near the Clinton Presidential Library and Park.

Some 1500 residents make this trail their weekend destination. North Shore Riverwalk offers a wide variety of adaptable uses. "The Riverwalk offers a picturesque promenade and four-mile pedestrian/bicycle trail featuring the Arkansas River as a backdrop. The site offers event planners a built-in speaker system, amphitheater pad, utilities and permanent restroom facilities" This trail will allow easier access between North Little Rock and Little Rock, a scenic exercise venue, and even a handy commute route for those who wish to bike to work. The trail will be 24 miles when totally completed. It is projected to be one of the country's premier walking trails to promote health, scenic beauty and environmental success.
http://www.americantrails.org/2008/index.html