MONTGOMERY— For years a hiking and biking trail has been high on Dothan residents’ wish lists, but there seemed little chance their hopes could be realized because of a lack of undeveloped land.
The city is about to change that with the help of a $100,000 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley. The grant will help build 9 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on 387 acres of undeveloped land now owned by the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust and managed by the city’s Leisure Services Department.
“Outdoor recreation plays an important role in a community’s quality of life by providing an opportunity for residents to enjoy nature, relax and exercise in the fresh air,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to help the city of Dothan construct these trails to meet recreational needs while also creating new economic opportunities for residents.”
The land is located along Fortner Street and Flowers Chapel Road less than a half mile from Ross Clark Circle. The trails will feature views of the wetlands, creeks and old-growth hardwood trees on the property.
The project’s first phase calls for three loops of natural surface trails: a 1-mile beginner loop suitable for young children and older adults, a 3-mile trail and a 5-mile trail for intermediate and advanced hikers and mountain bikers. The Dothan Runner’s Club, the Troy University Ecology Club and the Southeast Alabama Mountain Bikers will contribute planning expertise and volunteer labor to help construct the trails.
Dothan officials expect the trails to bring economic benefits by attracting out-of-town visitors because it will be the only mountain biking destination within a 50-mile radius.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant with funds from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. ADECA manages an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
Bentley notified Mayor Mike Schmitz that the grant had been approved. The city is contributing $60,500 in matching funds toward the project.
Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers