If you are new to the Foothills, you may be surprised to learn about all the improvements the City of Hickory is investing in public works. Recently, a complete renovation of the grounds and parking was completed at Union Square. Along with this, planning and construction are ongoing with the Hickory trail, which comprises the City Walk, River Walk, Aviation Walk, Historic Ridgeview Walk, and OLLE Art Walk. These are a series of interconnected paths and walkways designed for foot and bicycle traffic.

The City Walk is an existing 1.7-mile, 10-foot-wide, concrete, multi-use path that goes from St. Andrew's Lutheran Church across Highway 127 over a pedestrian bridge, through downtown adjacent to Union Square across Third Street, over another pedestrian bridge and ends at Ninth Street NW. It will tie into the future OLLE Art Walk, which will run down Old Lenoir Road and tie into the Aviation Walk near 12th Avenue NW and the Riverwalk.

The Aviation Walk begins near Old Lenoir Road and 12th Avenue. NW, and goes over an iconic pedestrian bridge over Highway 321, which is slated for an overhaul. It passes LP Frans Stadium, home of the Crawdads, and continues toward the airport. It will end near the Aviation Museum and will have some of the best views of the mountains the area has to offer.

The Riverwalk runs from Geitner Park along the lake and will tie into the end of the OLLE Art Walk, which is under construction. Portions of the Riverwalk are elevated over land, and an elevated walkway extends over the lake, allowing public access to one of the areas most attractive assets The Riverwalk will eventually connect with the current Northbound Highway 321 bridge, which will be converted into a pedestrian bridge when the new bridges over the river are completed. Parking is at Geitner Park, at the end of Old Lenoir Road, and at the Jaycee Park.

On the other end of the City Walk, the Historic Ridgeview Walk connects with the City Walk and runs through Ridgeview from City Hall Ridgeview Library, Brown Penn Recreation Center and ends on 4th ST SW near Hwy 70.

Construction is ongoing, so for up-to-date information, visit www.HKYTrail.com.

tip: I love the atmosphere of the outdoor market and all the venue options at the Hickory Farmers' Market. We have baked goods, flowers, fresh produce, homemade coffee and soaps, and crafts from all over the local community. It's super clean and filled with live music on Saturdays. It's my favorite place to be.  MaryRose M.