Olds' network of paved trails was extended by two kilometres after the Richardson family completed work on trails as part of the development of the Highlands subdivision in the southwest section of town.
The Richardsons, who own Richardson Brothers construction, completed the trails as part of the broader Highlands development, which was given approval by town council in the form of an Area Structure Plan in May 2008.
The new sections of trails were completed on July 1.
The new sections of trails connect to the existing length of paths through the Deer Ridge Environmental Reserve near Winter Lake and a new stormwater retention pond in the northeast corner of the Highlands subdivision and links to a trail along 63 Avenue.
“I think (the Richardson family) has done a heck of a job there. They've tied them into the existing tree reserve and the trails that come back around on 65th (Avenue),” said Larry Wright, the town's director of operations.
The new trails fit in well with the Parks and Trails Master Plan that the town is currently working on, he added. That plan is currently being refined, with more public input expected in about two months.
The community now has 16 kilometres of paved and mulch trails, including trails at Olds College, and the town expects to add about a kilometre's worth of tie-ins from other portions of trail later this year.
