Trail in Little Rock reopens following tornado damage in 2023

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Rock Creek Trail in Little Rock, which is close to the intersection of Bowman and Markham, was one of the areas completely destroyed by the tornadoes that struck in March 2023.

Following brief remarks by Mayor Frank Scott Jr., City Parks Director Leland Couch, Volunteer Programs Coordinator Karen Sykes, and City Director for Ward 5 Lance Hines, the trail was finally reopened on Saturday.

“I was sitting at home that afternoon when the tornado literally touched down about three-quarters of a mile from my house,” Hines said during his speech, “And ran a path through the heart of our city.”

The trail’s approximately 1,200 uprooted trees, covering 20 acres, were difficult to remove after the storms, according to officials, which is why the restoration process took so long.

“This was a forest setting,” Couch remarked. We waited a little longer to plant it because of this. They had to utilize other equipment to remove the tree debris and take it away since they couldn’t get their trucks into the park or the creek.”

Almost 100 people present for the opening, according to Couch, were happy to hear that the work is now complete.

They weren’t there only to have fun. Following the ceremony, individuals present helped further prepare the route by gathering tools and trash bags.

Before the trail’s closure, Rachel Tanner said she loved trekking it and thought there would be a chance for her to become engaged. “I am capable of gathering trash.”

Couch said it was only one task volunteers could perform along the trail, while others trimmed back bushes and controlled invasive plants.

All ages of volunteers participated, such as Angela Koturbash, who mentioned how much she enjoyed going fishing or exploring on the route, usually with her father.

“I came here the day following the tornado to try and clear some of the logs and stuff, but we were unable to go very far because it was nearly impassable,” Koturbash remarked. It seemed absurd, but now it appears much better.”

It does, in fact, and for Couch that adds to the specialness of the day.

During his address, he referred to the Rock Creek Trail as “one of my favorite trails” and “one of the first trails that I’ve ever experienced with Little Rock Parks and Recreation.”

Couch stated that more parks and trails require similar maintenance, thus the work is not yet complete.

He advised anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch with Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (CATA), who frequently assists the city with such initiatives, or Karen Sykes via the city’s official website.