S-N Editorial

Residents in Hartley and the surrounding area can hope a recent proposal for a community trail hits the ground running.

A new group dubbed the Hartley Rec Trail Committee is spearheading efforts to get a new pathway paved around the City With a Heart. While plans are still very much in the infancy stages, it would be a big win for the community if the idea crosses the finish line.

No city with a trail is going to tell you they regret it. Recreational outlets promote exercise and make communities a more attractive place to live in for prospective residents – people like amenities and things to do. With a circumference estimated at four miles, Hartley’s path would certainly check some boxes for people looking to live here.

It’s a costly venture and admittedly a steep hill to climb, though. Right now, the trail committee is estimating costs at approximately $400,000 per mile. Nobody expects to pay that tab in one sitting, and organizers know this will be a process that takes several years. That’s fine – it took more than half a decade to get the new pool built thanks to the persistence of community leaders, and there’s no reason this proposal can’t clear those same hurdles.

Right now, the committee is hoping to line its coffers with some upstart funds by hosting an omelet brunch and bloody Mary bar on Sunday, April 10. The event will be held at the Hartley Community Center from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – check it out and help out!

It’s an exciting time in Hartley. There’s a new elementary school, the pool is slated to open this summer and the trail proposal give us another thing to look forward to. It’s always important to keep your eyes on the horizon and improving the place you live.