Conway, Arkansas – The City of Conway is moving forward with an ambitious plan to enhance its network of biking and walking paths, bringing the community closer to its vision of a fully connected city through the “Connect Conway” project. On Tuesday, the Conway Board of Directors voted to advance the next phase of the initiative, a step that includes property acquisition and design finalization, bringing the city closer to realizing a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project, which received federal funding through the RAISE grant program four years ago, aims to expand the city’s existing biking and walking infrastructure to 15 miles, linking neighborhoods, schools, colleges, parks, and other key destinations. With a total grant amount of approximately $25 million, the initiative is one of the most significant urban mobility projects Conway has undertaken in recent years.
Kurt Jones, Conway’s Director of Engineering, outlined the significance of the recent board vote and what it means for the city’s residents. “The grant was approximately $25 million. We have finalized the final phases of the design of the project, and have recently begun the process of property acquisition,” Jones said. He emphasized that while the property acquisition phase can be challenging, the city has a track record of successfully negotiating with property owners to keep projects moving forward.
“So the property acquisition phase is typically one of the, you know, more difficult ones, because, you know, at the end of the day, there are some people that simply do not, initially and normally, we’ve been successful in the past on our projects, in working with the property owners and negotiating,” Jones added.
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City officials remain on schedule and hope to complete this phase by the end of September 2026. Once finished, the expanded trail network will connect neighborhoods to schools, colleges, parks, and commercial areas, offering residents more options for safe transportation and outdoor recreation.
City Councilperson Shelley Mehl, who has followed the project since its inception, noted the community’s enthusiasm for the expansion and the benefits it will bring. “I wish it could move faster. You know, a lot of people are ready for it. I’m especially happy that it’s happening on the east side of town. I think once that part’s done, and it’s going to connect the two middle schools that are out there, elementary schools, the parks, it’s going to be great. It’s going to be phenomenal,” Mehl said.
Mehl highlighted the broader impact the project will have on Conway residents, particularly those without access to a car. “The biggest impact this is going to have on the city is to connect the neighbors to shops that don’t have a car, and also allowing more ability for citizens to exercise safely, connecting parts of town that currently aren’t,” she explained.
A portion of the Connect Conway trails will pass by the new community center with an outdoor pool, further increasing accessibility and opportunities for residents to enjoy recreational activities. “Imagine you can safely ride your bike from some of the neighborhoods, especially on the east side of town, and get there. It’ll be great,” Mehl said.
The initiative reflects Conway’s commitment to creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities, balancing urban development with quality-of-life improvements. By expanding its biking and walking infrastructure, the city hopes to encourage more residents to embrace active transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and foster stronger community connections.
As the property acquisition and construction phases progress, Conway officials plan to keep the public informed and engaged, ensuring the trails are developed with safety, accessibility, and community input in mind. With the project slated for completion in 2026, residents can look forward to a more connected city where walking and biking are not only convenient but also safe and enjoyable.
