New trails boost fitness, recreation opportunities
It’s been said that Chadron State College blazes trails. In recent years, the statement has been both literal and figurative as CSC has pleased recreation and fitness enthusiasts a comprehensive trail project south of campus.
The most recent development has resulted in bulldozing a 16-foot wide path around the upper west side of C Hill that runs to the southeastern and northeastern corners of the college property. The trail passes the CSC athletic fields and adjoins the projected site of the college’s Rangeland Agriculture Center and Pavilion at the south end of Ridgeview Street.
Portions of the dozed area have been planted with a variety of grass shorter than native species and intended to provide a quality walking and running surface with minimal maintenance, said Blair Brennan, CSC coordinator of physical facilities. The new trail sections are expected to be popular with students and other community members.
“We have been working to establish the trails with a variety of users in mind,” Brennan said. “They’re not finished, but we will be gaining input and will continue to make them better.”
With five stages of the project nearly complete, Brennan said at least three more stages remain. The future will bring a section to complete the trip around C Hill to the east and another connecting that trail to the paved section near the college’s upper southwest boundary.
The new unpaved sections total about three miles. They complement the Heritage Trail, a 1.1-mile path of eight-foot wide concrete established in 2004-2005. The concrete section begins south of the Armstrong Building, meanders westward, crosses the dam of Briggs Pond and winds its way up the hill to its ending point on Maple Street.
The college has received funding, support and planning assistance from a variety of organizations for the project. Among the major players has been the Chadron Lifespan Wellness Team, a broad-based group of community volunteers working to improve the fitness level of the community. The concrete portion of the trails was funded with a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Grants from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska have funded outdoor exercise equipment, signage and benches. In addition, bulldozer operator Dan Rhembrandt of Chadron has given the college a discounted rate because he believes in the project, Brennan said.
Category: Campus News