Lyon College has received a $100,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to enhance the SCOTS Cross Country Trail.
The grant, part of ARDOT’s 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP), was announced Dec. 4. The programs support non-motorized transportation and recreational trail development across Arkansas.
“By improving the SCOTS Cross Country Trail, we’re not only enhancing the experience for our students and employees but also supporting community access to outdoor recreation.” – Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner
According to a release from Lyon College, the funding will be used to resurface and improve accessibility on the college’s bluff trails, aiming to create safer and more functional pathways for students, faculty, staff, and the local community.
“These improvements will foster environmental stewardship, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance recreational opportunities in the Batesville area,” the college said in the release.
“This grant underscores the importance of fostering connections between our campus and the natural beauty surrounding us,” said Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “By improving the SCOTS Cross Country Trail, we’re not only enhancing the experience for our students and employees but also supporting community access to outdoor recreation.”
TAP, reauthorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funds pedestrian, bicyclist, and other non-motorized transportation projects. The program reimburses 80% of project costs, with a 20% local match. For 2024, ARDOT awarded $16.7 million to 54 TAP projects and $2.5 million to 11 RTP projects.
“This project represents a collaborative effort to enhance both safety and accessibility on the bluff trails,” said David Hutchison, Lyon’s vice president for advancement. “We’re grateful for ARDOT’s support and look forward to creating a resource that will benefit the entire community for years to come.”
The SCOTS Cross Country Trail is part of Lyon’s outdoor recreational programming, including the Lyon College Education and Adventure Program (LEAP). The upgrades aim to make the trails more inclusive and functional for various users.
“Resurfacing and enhancing the trails will allow us to expand outdoor education and adventure opportunities for our students,” said LEAP Director Mac Harn. “The upgrades align perfectly with our mission to connect students with nature and encourage active lifestyles.”
The project will also support the Safe Scots program, an initiative aimed at fostering a culture of safety and well-being on campus. Amanda Roberts, director of the Safe Scots program, emphasized the importance of accessible trails in promoting health and wellness.
“Having well-maintained trails is critical to encouraging outdoor activity and a sense of well-being among our campus and community members,” said Roberts. “These improvements will make a real difference in ensuring everyone can enjoy the trails safely.”
Lyon College previously received a $30,000 grant from the Intimidator Group and The Toro Company earlier this year to support trail upgrades. The funding was part of $90,000 distributed to five local nonprofits.
Image provided by Lyon College
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
