Ribbon cutting scheduled to celebrate completion of Missouri Southern trail

(From Southern News Service)

Officials from Missouri Southern State University and the city of Joplin will gather to celebrate the completion of the new Missouri Southern trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, on the trail at the bridge crossing Turkey Creek.

The approximately one-mile out-and-back trail connects the Missouri Southern campus to the movie theater and shopping areas. A 90-foot pedestrian bridge now spans Turkey Creek, making it possible for students who don’t drive to easily access food, shopping and entertainment options across the water.

 

The city oversaw the trail and bridge construction, with MSSU providing and installing lighting along the trail. The trail was funded through the Federal Highway Administration Transportation Enhancement Grant Program provided to the city. With a total cost of approximately $453,000, the federal funding provided nearly $273,000 for the project, and the city paid the remaining $180,000.

“I want to thank the city of Joplin for their continued pursuit of this collaborative joint venture between MSSU and the city. It proves that good things come to those who wait,” said Rob Yust, Vice President for Business Affairs. “This trail is a welcome addition to not only MSSU students and employees but the citizens of Joplin as well, as it further connects MSSU with the city.”