The Grindstone Creek Trail project is no more, at least temporarily. A Columbia neighborhood vocalized their opposition to the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department’s plans to build a trail alongside the Grindstone Creek. As of Oct. 1, the department planned to re-allocate the funds toward other city projects.
The $1.4 million will be shifted to fund the Get About Columbia initiative, which also aims to improve and build sidewalks and trails throughout Columbia. Mike Hood, director of Parks and Recreation of Columbia, said the idea of increasing the money for the other projects might not be the only reason behind the City Council’s decision.
“There’s certainly been considerable opposition from the local neighborhood," Hood said. "There’s the neighborhood that is adjacent to a portion of the Grindstone Creek trail, and I’m sure that that opposition has contributed to the discussion of possibly transferring the money.”
The money would primarily fund a particular Get About Columbia project that would connect Sheppard Boulevard to Rollins road, giving that neighborhood direct access to the University campus.