POCATELLO — The Portneuf Greenway Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce the completion of two landmark sections of paved, accessible trail in Pocatello, bringing their total footprint to over 20 miles.

A ribbon cutting and community event to celebrate the trail expansion will be held in the parking lot of the Red Lion Hotel,  1555 Pocatello Creek Road, on Oct. 30 at 5:15 p.m. All are invited to attend to walk or bike the new sections, learn more about the Greenway’s role in building the new trails, and hear from major trail supporters.

The new Outback Trail runs from the Monte Vista overpass to Pocatello Creek Road, and the Connecting Communities Trail connects Pocatello Creek Road to the Portneuf Wellness Complex. Idaho Central Credit Union provided support for the Connecting Communities Trail, while the Idaho Department of Transportation contributed substantial support by including this section of trail in its Interstate 15 renovation project. Other contributors include the Portneuf Health Trust, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Ifft Foundation, who made substantial financial contributions to help make these trails a reality. Easements to allow the trails across private property were donated by the Outback Golf Park and West Family Medicine.

Monetary contributions from several other community-minded partners supported design, construction, paving and beautification of this and the Outback Trail.

“This is one of the most exciting extensions of the Greenway we’ve ever completed,” said Dan Harelson, Greenway board president. “We are proud to support construction of trails in Pocatello and Chubbuck that benefit residents who not only enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities that a paved network of connected trails provides, but also in building enhanced routes for commuters who utilize the trails for biking or walking to and from work.”

During the event, community members and local businesses will also learn more about how they can contribute to future trail expansion and maintenance plans.

Greenway board members, comprised of all-volunteer community members from a variety of industries and occupations, operate on a mission “to create a network of paved bicycle and pedestrian trails throughout the greater Pocatello Chubbuck area to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by establishing and improving the Portneuf Greenway as a community resource.”

The Foundation is a 50(3)(c) organization established in 1992. The Foundation has no paid employees and receives no direct funding from the city of Pocatello or Chubbuck for public facilities. It meets monthly to execute its master plan to connect 27 miles of fully accessible, paved walking, biking and jogging trails for the Pocatello-Chubbuck areas, which is currently over halfway completed.

For more information about the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, visit portneufgreenway.org.