ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / November 24, 2000

LAPLACE – In less than a year, residents of St. John the Baptist Parish will beable to enjoy jogging, walking and biking on a brand new trail in the Belle Pointe part of the parish.

Recently, the parish was awarded a $48,000 Recreational Trails Grant from the Governor’s Office to construct a trail eight to 10 feet wide and 1,450 feet long to be used for jogging, walking and biking.

Matthew Rovira, state trail coordinator for the Governor’s Office, said the trail is part of a federal program managed by the governor’s office. Everyyear the state is awarded $1 million for the trails. So far, there are over100 recreational trails in Louisiana that have been sponsored by the federal grant.

“This grant is an 80/20 split,” said Rovira. “In order to qualify for the grant,the parish has to put up 20 percent of the money.”The St. John Parish Council was able to come up with the needed funds, andlast week Parish President Nickie Monica went to Baton Rouge to personally receive the grant from Gov. Mike Foster.”We know that more and more people are jogging and walking these days for health reasons,” said Rovira. “We think these trails will keep people safe andoff the streets when they exercise.”Chris Guidry, chief administrative officer for the parish, said the trail will be located on Jackson Street on the western side of the Belle Pointe subdivision and will be close to East St. John High School.Guidry said the parish will seek at least two proposals from construction companies before they begin to build the trail. Once construction is started,Guidry said it will take about two months to complete.

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