Shewmaker family donates 10 acres to city trail system
Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2008
BENTONVILLE — Soon, the path will be made for five new miles of trail near Slaughter Pen Hollow.
The city of Bentonville on Wednesday accepted a donation of 10 acres off Slaughter Pen Road from the Jack Shewmaker family to be used for five new miles of bike trail near the Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trail.
“ This is a great asset to the community, ” Northwest Arkansas Trailblazers Board member Bob Norwood said. “ We want to particularly thank the Shewmaker family for … this donation of 10 acres. This is a gift that’s going to keep giving and giving and giving and giving, ” he said.
The parcel of land is east of Tiger Boulevard, just off Slaughter Pen Road in northeast Bentonville. Shewmaker’s son, Daniel Shewmaker, said the parcel cannot be developed and is a prime spot for an extension of the trail.
“ We appreciate the people of northwest Arkansas so much and are proud to be a part of the community, ” Jack Shewmaker said.
The trail will be designed by Progressive Trail Designs.
The land has been appraised at $ 160, 000, Jack Shewmaker said.
The construction of the Slaughter Pen Bike Trail is just one example of how the city is progressing toward accommodating cyclists.
Tim Robinson, co-owner of Phat Tire Bike Shop in Bentonville, has been meeting with a representative from the League of American Cyclists in an effort to make Bentonville a Bicycle Friendly Community.
The Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign is an awards program that recognizes municipalities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. The League of American Bicyclists administers the Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
