NSUBA makes way for new trail

Golden shovels stood in freshly dug earth as Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow broke ground for a nature and fitness trail during a ceremony Sept. 13.

I think todays a great day," said Wes Smithwick, president and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation. "One of the reasons Broken Arrow was named 81st among places to live in the United States was based on the quality of life, where we scored very highly. This type of infrastructure with trails will help us get there."

Those in attendance included people instrumental in the project's development. Among them were administration, students, faculty and staff from NSUBA and representatives from the Broken Arrow chamber and the City of Broken Arrow.

We had a park study done a couple of years ago," said Scott Esmond, director of parks and recreation for Broken Arrow. "The study's top suggestion was more trails. Anyone can use them at any time and its the best thing for families and friends to get out and exercise."

The ceremony was on the north side of Building G, where the exercise portion of the trail is planned.

NSU made a promise to the community of Broken Arrow," said Dr. Christee Jenlink, dean of NSUBA. "When you helped us build this campus, we said we would not just be here as part of the community, we would be in the community. The students here at NSUBA are very focused on wellness activities and this is one step toward helping them achieve that."

The nature and fitness trail will circumnavigate the campus and feature exercise equipment, a rest area and a scenic pond. An extension will loop into the fitness trail in Tulsa. The project is to reach completion in three months and will include an interactive grand opening.

Look at us today in this beautiful weather," said Esmond. "You could be here walking. I think this is the best thing that can help improve the community and that is so important.

Bill Haines, chief executive officer of Camp Russell, and his staff are working with NSUBA on the west side of the campus while the trail is being constructed.

People who assisted in making the trail project a reality include Esmond, Kenny Schwab, Kristin Enevoldsen, Jeff Stroberg, Olaf Standley, Dr. Amber Fite, Dr. Mark Giese, Kris Rider, Jenlink, Kristi Arnold, Dr. Kirby Cundiff, Patty Kitchen, Dr. Melissa Mahan, Eric Yost, Dr. Ed Huckeby, Smithwick, Keith Franklin, Justin Jones and Starr ONeal.