City of Beatrice holds open house on proposed trail to Homestead

BEATRICE - The City of Beatrice is informing the public, while also hearing feedback about a proposed recreational trail that could link Riverside Park in west Beatrice with Homestead National Historical Park.

The city is currently applying for grant support through the Federal Transportation Alternatives program for the building of the proposed 2.8-mile trail. Homestead National Historical Park superintendent Betty Boyko tells News Channel Nebraska the park is working with the City of Beatrice to make sure a safe route exists between the park and city. 

"We're just here to support the trail coming from the city of Beatrice to the Homestead," Boyko said. "We're looking at how we can fit in and support the compliance anyway that we can so we know people traveling to the park, especially along Highway 4, do so in a safe manner."

The project will take some time due to federal regulations with grant funding, but there is conversation about a second trail, under consideration by the park service, that would extend through the park. Boyko says safety getting to the park is of utmost importance to the Homestead. 

"I'm not sure we're even looking at boosting numbers, we're focused on the safety aspect of that," Boyko said. "For those who do travel with bikes or go hiking, we want to get them off Highway 4 and on a safer manner to the park."