A new extension to the Mineral Spring Park Trail has recently been completed. The extension from the Veterans’ Park crosses Williams Street and proceeds toward a trailhead to be located in the new Saratoga Oaks subdivision which is now under construction.
While usable, the new extension is not officially open, partially due to the Veterans Park bridge being closed for repairs.
Mineral Spring Trail extends in one direction from Mineral Spring Park to the Veterans Park. In the other direction, the trail extends from Mineral Spring Park, along Big Creek, to the old water treatment plant, which will soon be known as Big Creek Station. An unfinished “nature trail” portion of the trail goes on to Minor Street and hopefully will eventually connect to Palmetto Middle School area.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said the bridge over Big Creek to the Veterans Park is currently closed while the Town works with FEMA to have pilings replaced. The bridge pilings sustained damage related to Hurricane Helene flooding last September.
Burgess said the Town is also planning to eventually build another bridge over Big Creek to connect the new paved Mineral Spring Trail extension to a trailhead to be located in the new Saratoga Oaks subdivision, which is now under construction. The subdivision is located on Williams Street and Brock Drive.
The trailhead will include 20 public parking spaces in the subdivision. An unpaved walking nature trail will connect the subdivision to the Mineral Spring Trail extension.
The new paved multi-use trail extension was funded by a $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant with a 50/50 match by the Town.
ARC uses congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the region’s economic and community development through grants. Projects must take place within the Appalachian Region.
All ARC grants must align with five investment priorities outlined in the ARC strategic plan and must reflect appropriate state plans and strategies.
According to the ARC, the strongest project proposals are strategic, impactful, collaborative and sustainable.
Pictured – A new extension to the Mineral Spring Park Trail has recently been completed. The extension from the Veterans’ Park (pictured) crosses Williams Street and proceeds toward a trailhead to be located in the new Saratoga Oaks subdivision which is now under construction. The paved multi-use trail was funded by a $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant with a 50/50 match by the Town.
