Phase II of the Hopkinsville Greenway is officially open, city officials announced Tuesday.
“The public is invited to enjoy the now nearly 5-mile path for walking, jogging and biking; however, trail-goers are encouraged to use the space safely by paying close attention to social distancing and other (Christian County) Health Department pandemic guidelines, administrative coordinator Nikki Durham said in a news release.
The opening comes just in time for the virtual 5K Turkey Trot. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 19th annual Turkey Trot will be run, or walked, independently rather than as a large group event on Thanksgiving morning.
There are two suggested routes for Turkey Trotters — the Bridge Route and the Library Route.
The Bridge Route starts at the Dog Park next to the Pardue Lane Trailhead, goes over the new pedestrian bridge and then returns before reaching the Foston Chapel Road Trailhead.
The Library Route starts by the public library downtown and goes to the Cox Mill Road bridge and back.
“Signs for both 5K Turkey Trot routes will remain in place on the rail-trail into December, so runners or walkers can cover the course whenever they choose,” Durham said.
A limited number of Turkey Trot T-shirts are available for $20 through Parks and Recreation by calling 270-887-4290.
The $4.6 million greenway expansion project came out of former Mayor Carter Hendricks’ Wellness, Infrastructure and Neighborhood initiative — better known as WINS.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
