The Poplar Bluff Trails Coalition (PBTC), a registered nonprofit organization that formed in January 2021, will join forces with Poplar Bluff Kiwanis Club to lead two important improvement projects at Bacon Memorial Park. Phase 1 of the project was recently completed and included the installation of a foot bridge, timber steps and landscaping to improve neighborhood access at the park’s Apple Street access point. Phase 2 will include the construction of a half-mile natural surface hiking, trail running and mountain biking trail that will connect to the park’s paved walking trail and its spur to Poplar Bluff Middle School. The new multiuse trail will provide several different loop options and will traverse a steep hillside with mature oak trees and a lush understory on the park’s westside. The project is expected to begin in June.
“On behalf of Poplar Bluff Trails Coalition, we’re very pleased to be partnering with Kiwanis Club to expand recreation opportunities and improve access to the park on its eastside,” said Jon Breithaupt, a volunteer project manager for PBTC who will spearhead the project. “Bacon Memorial Park is an important community resource. Eventually, you’ll be able to hike, run or bike from the park to Poplar Bluff Middle School and all the way out to the Wolf Creek Trail System, as the Wolf Creek Connector Trail is developed. This project will complement this plan nicely, offering many different connected trail routes all within the Poplar Bluff city limits.”
“Kiwanis’ efforts to make Bacon Park an enjoyable experience for all citizens stretch back decades. We believe these improvements will contribute to the positive impact the park contributes to the region by allowing easier access and improved features for our daily visitors,” stated Kenny Rowland, Kiwanis Club member and PBTC Board Member. PBTC President Brock Littles added, “I think it’s great that the Kiwanis Club has partnered with the Poplar Bluff Trails Coalition allowing us to implement the new trail in Bacon Park. The trail will be perfect for someone to utilize over their lunch break or to introduce children to hiking. It will be a nice little escape right here in the middle of Poplar Bluff.”
Poplar Bluff Trails Coalition (PBTC) is a registered nonprofit organization based out of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The Coalition is a grassroots, all volunteer group that plans, promotes, builds and maintains trails in the greater Poplar Bluff area. Its service area includes Butler, Carter and Wayne Counties. PBTC can be followed on Facebook and Instagram @poplarblufftrails.
