Tuesday will mark another step toward a remarkable and scenic Casper experience for everyone as work begins on the beautification of the Amoco Park Trailhead. Here is the official announcement from the Platte river Trails Trust...

The Platte River Trails Trust (PRTT) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that work will commence on the Amoco Park Trailhead rehabilitation project on Tuesday, Febuary 16, 2016. The parking lot of the trailhead will close tomorrow and remain closed until the project in complete in May of 2016. The trail through the park along the river will remain open.

Amoco Park was the first area along the North Platte River to be cleaned-up, conserved and enhanced by the Platte River Trails organization in the mid-1980s. Once a dumping ground adjacent to the river and across the river from the refinery, Amoco Park is now one of the most popular trailheads along the river trail. This project will involve the creation of designated parking spaces in the lower lot, including 2 clearly identified handicapped spaces, as well as a turnaround route for cars and smaller busses. In addition, the trail on the north side of the trailhead, along 1st Street, will be reconstructed. These improvements are made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Department of Transportation TAP program and a grant match from the Optional One Cent #14 fund. Local firm, Grizzly Excavating, will be the project contractor under the supervision of Inberg-Miller Engineers.

“Tourism in Wyoming is at an all-time high, and given Casper’s central location in the state we believe trail infrastructure encourages visitors to linger a bit longer here which is good for our economy. In addition, our community trails are a great asset for all of us who live here and want a place to exercise, walk the dog, kayak, fish or just enjoy the beautiful vistas and the North Platte River from the trail. Plus, we know from current evidence, that urban river parkways can improve physical, mental, and community health, and that they are particularly important in offering opportunity for 'green exercise'—physical activity in the presence of nature” says PRTT Executive Director, Angela Emery.”

For more information on upcoming trail events and projects visit the Platte River Trails Trust website, www.platterivertrails.com and drop into the Platte River Trails Trust Annual Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 17th from 4:30 - 6:30 at the Tate Pumphouse Trail Center. For more information call the Trails office, 577-1206.

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