Work has begun on a nature trail for Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian's Island.
The Jefferson City Parks Department has been removing dead and dying trees and clearing a pathway for the planned trail, which will make use of the mulch. Parks Director Todd Spalding said the base of the trail should be set this week, and then the department will figure out a timeline for the rest of the project from there.
The trail begins at the edge of the park and will stretch back through the wooded area in the direction of the Missouri State Penitentiary.
The trail is one of several amenities being brought to the park in addition to permanent restrooms and electricity.
The park is located on Adrian's Island and is accessible by the Bicentennial Bridge, which connects the Capitol grounds to the Missouri River riverfront. Spalding said the goal was to present a scenic view of the river.
Julie Smith/News Tribune Shawn Sachs, left, and Zac Baladenski pull mulch off the wagon while Jeremy Smith pulls forward. All work for Parks and Rec and putting mulch on nearly one-half mile of waling trail on Adrian's Island this week.
Julie Smith/News Tribune Jeremy Smith operates a mini excavator on Adrian's Island Tuesday picking up mulch to carry it to the location of the new trails created for visitors to enjoy a walk in the woods or near the bank of the Missouri River. Smith works for Parks and Rec and part of the crew tasked with putting down the nearly one-half mile of shredded wood from trees recently cut to clear a path.