Walking trail to connect MSSU with Northpark Mall - KOAM TV 7

Walking trail to connect MSSU with Northpark Mall

Missouri Southern and the City of Joplin announced the creation of a walking trail today near the soccer fields leading to Northpark Mall.

Joplin will oversee the trails construction of the future trail and pedestrian bridge crossing Turkey Creek.  Missouri Southern will install the lighting for the 2,000 foot trail.

Officials say it's something the students have been really wanting.

"It's just a wonderful point of access and I've had students tell me over the time 'why don't we do something like this? Why don't we have that access so we can get over there?'" says MSSU President Bruce Speck.  "It's really going to be, I think, very important in terms of our students and what they think about in terms of access to the kinds of facilities that are close to us."

The trail and bridge are funded through a Federal Highway Administration grant program provided to the City of Joplin.

Officials hope to have the project completed by early next year.