Solar lighting brings new dawn to ASUMH’s award-winning trail system

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home has begun construction on solar-powered lighting along the James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail, the latest enhancement to a trail system that has steadily evolved from a simple walking path into one of the region’s premier outdoor destinations.

The new solar lighting system will improve safety and accessibility for walkers, runners, and families who use the trail during early morning and evening hours. Construction is now underway with completion expected later this fall. The project is funded through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

“ASU-Mountain Home is very excited to bring this major lighting enhancement to the trail system on our campus,” said Dr. Bentley Wallace, Chancellor of ASU-Mountain Home. “Thanks to our funding partners at ARDOT, the college is able to bring solar lighting to a large portion of the trail, allowing for improved visibility for our evening and early morning trail users.”

The solar installation continues a series of improvements that have transformed the campus trail over the past several years into a community attraction that draws visitors from throughout north Arkansas.

Building on Years of Investment

The James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail’s transformation began several years ago when ASUMH and the City of Mountain Home partnered to enhance the three-mile trail system that winds through the college campus and connects to the Mountain Home Greenway Trail system.

ARDOT first awarded the grant for solar lighting installation back in 2023. At that time, officials announced the lights would be installed once an architect completed the landscape design, which was also planned to include botanical gardens. That vision is now becoming reality with the current construction.

The trail’s evolution gained momentum in October 2023 when the first piece of public art was unveiled as part of the ASUMH/City of Mountain Home Art Walk initiative. The abstract sculpture, crafted from corten metal with stainless steel accents by Minnesota artist Patrick Shannon, was funded by an anonymous donor and marked the beginning of an extensive outdoor gallery.

“The importance of the arts in our community cannot be overstated,” Wallace said at that first unveiling, noting the combination of art, education, and outdoor space.

Art Walk Takes Shape

The Art Walk project expanded dramatically in 2024. Last August, the trail welcomed a six-month exhibition featuring 15 large-scale sculptures by Massachusetts artist Dale Rogers.

Rogers’ stainless steel and Cor-Ten steel sculptures drew art enthusiasts from across the region. The community voted on their favorite pieces, with selected works becoming permanent installations along the trail.

The project began under the leadership of Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Robin Myers and ASUMH Director of Development Mollie Morgan, with the City of Mountain Home later joining to help secure the ARDOT grant.

Dr. Kathy Loyd, who chairs the Art Walk committee, noted last year that the exhibitions were enhancing the region’s growing reputation as an arts destination. The success has established Mountain Home as an unexpected destination for outdoor art.

Educational and Community Programming

The trail system has hosted various educational programs over the years. The StoryWalk project, a collaboration with the Donald W. Reynolds Library, created a 1,600-foot area with 16 reading stations where families could enjoy children’s books while walking the trail.

The Baxter County Library has periodically partnered with ASUMH for special StoryWalk events. Families would gather to read stories displayed along the trail, complete with themed activities and crafts. Most recently, the library hosted a winter-themed event in January featuring “How to Catch a Yeti.”

The trail system has become increasingly connected to the broader Mountain Home community. The City of Mountain Home’s Parks and Recreation and Street departments completed an extension that connected the ASUMH trail to McCabe Park’s Shirley Baker Nature Trail through an underpass beneath the Sheid-Hopper Bypass.

Additional connections are in the works. The city has secured funding for a spur connecting the trail to College Street with a new crosswalk. The Baxter County Library Foundation received a $456,000 federal grant in December 2024 through the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for the Library Hill Trail Project. The grant covers 80% of the funding needed for the approximately three-quarter-mile trail, with the Foundation now working to raise the remaining 20% of project costs. Those interested in supporting the trail can contact the Foundation at [email protected] or call 870-580-0705.

Why Solar, Why Now

The decision to install solar lighting addresses consistent requests from trail users while aligning with the college’s sustainability goals. Early morning joggers and evening walkers have long requested better lighting for safety and convenience.

The new system will make the trail accessible to those whose schedules only allow for exercise outside of daylight hours. This becomes particularly important during winter months when daylight is limited.

The solar-powered approach keeps operational costs low while demonstrating renewable energy technology for students and community members.

Future Plans

While the solar lighting represents the current phase of development, additional enhancements are planned. The botanical gardens remain in the planning stages, intended to complement the art installations.

The Art Walk committee has announced plans to issue a call to local artists in 2025. This will open opportunities for regional talent to contribute alongside nationally recognized names like Rogers and Shannon.

“Since arriving on the campus of ASUMH, I’ve had the privilege of working with generous community donors, inspiring city leaders, and progressive ASUMH leaders,” Morgan said. “Working on the Art Walk reminds me how wonderful our community is as we support each other to create special events for our area.”

Economic and Health Impact

The improvements have transformed a simple campus amenity into a regional attraction. The trail now functions as an outdoor gallery, occasional educational venue, fitness facility, and community gathering space.

Mayor Hillrey Adams, who serves as an ex-officio member of the Art Walk committee, has consistently championed the partnership between the city and college. The collaboration has brought new users to the trail system while supporting local economic development.

Art enthusiasts, families seeking outdoor activities, and fitness enthusiasts all find reasons to visit Mountain Home. Their visits support local businesses while enhancing the community’s quality of life.

The Art Walk committee includes representatives from both the college and city. Members include Dr. Wallace and Mayor Adams as ex-officio members, along with Dr. Eddie Dry, Christy Dyer, Mindy Fulcher, Dane Hustead, Beth Ivens, Arnold Knox, Dr. Loyd, Joe Miles and Morgan.

Looking Ahead

Construction crews continue working to install the solar lighting system this fall. The project represents both a practical improvement and a symbol of the trail’s ongoing evolution.

What began as separate campus and city trails has grown into an interconnected network. The solar lighting will be particularly beneficial as the days grow shorter, ensuring the trail remains accessible and safe year-round.

The trail has demonstrated how sustained vision and strategic investment can transform community infrastructure. Each addition, from the initial trail connections to art installations to the current solar lighting, has built upon previous successes.

The trail remains open to the public seven days a week during construction. Minimal disruption to trail access is anticipated during the installation process.

For updates on the solar lighting project and other campus initiatives, visit www.asumh.edu or follow @ASUMountainHome on social media.