08-05-2025
Joplin expands trails with unique features
JOPLIN, Mo. — The city of Joplin is working to expand its trail system this year, including some unique features.
'You know, our goal is to connect the north of Joplin to the south of Joplin with these projects going on right now. We're getting that just one step closer,' said Paul Bloomberg, Joplin City Parks & Rec Dir.
Expansion in Joplin's trail system is pushing that change.
'You know, other communities are starting to do trails, Neo Show, Carl Junction, Carthage, Webb City, and so it's, you know, we're all looking at the benefits of what trails can bring to your community, not only, you know, for the health and wellness, but for the connectivity, you know, to get people out,' said Bloomberg.
Joplin students participate in National Bike to School Day
Construction at 4th and Murphy will help with that.
The primary project is overhauling the intersection for traffic, but it has also added a sidewalk under 4th Street. That means walkers and bike riders don't have to stop for a traffic signal to change.
'Definitely similar to some of the trail system down Northwest Arkansas, kind of, where we took some inspiration. And this just helps take you underneath the road, so you're not having to cross with live traffic, and there's a signal there, but it's still safer to go underneath the road,' said Dakota Rusk, Joplin City Traffic Engineer.
Something that's unique in Joplin.
'This is the first city-specific project I've taken a trail through a tunnel. The college does have the tunnel under Newman Road, but that wasn't really a city project. So this is the first one for for us. So we're really excited about it,' said Rusk.
Meanwhile there's new segment of trail under construction starting at 32nd and McIntosh Circle. That will add a mile and a half segment toward McIndoe Park with another unique feature. This trail will eventually include a suspension bridge
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