JOGGERS AND DOG WALKERS, SWORDS rimrock PARK – Photo COURTESY OF THE BILLINGS GAZETTE
trails began being incorporated. In a relatively short amount of time, the city’s trail system expanded to include the Shiloh Road Corridor, the Swords Rimrock Park Path, the Aronson Connection, Alkali Creek, Main Street Underpass, the Arrowhead Path, Poly Drive Sidewalk and Ponderosa School path among other connections. “The large loop of trails started taking on the appearance of a big wheel with spokes connecting within the city of Billings proper,” said Walker. “That’s when the “Marathon Loop” name was adopted.” The uniqueness of a 26 mile long trail encircling the City was not lost on the Chamber’s Trail Committee, which decided to name it the “Marathon Loop.” While the 26 mile trail is not entirely connected, great strides have been made with much of the work done by citizen volunteers.
A community initiative Kasey Austin is one of those Chamber
volunteers. Like LeFevre, Austin serves on a subcommittee of the Chamber’s Trails Committee for the Yellowstone River Connector and Clark’s Crossing, working to connect Mystic Park with Riverfront Park. That effort includes working with leaders at the Western Sugar Cooperative to acquire an easement across the property for a bike trail. “They’ve been very supportive,” Austin said, adding that the committee is about ready to resubmit a revised agreement for consideration. Austin, who works for Austin Adventures, a tourism-based business, emphasized the importance of the trail system for tourists and the economy. “Trails are a huge draw, not just for our guests but for anyone coming to Billings,” she said. “Trails connect visitors with local businesses, and allow for a different kind of community experience.”
Kasey Austin Walker shares that sentiment. “Our trail system makes Billings more livable and connected. Much more than an amenity, they’re part of a healthy lifestyle. And a healthy community makes a happy community.”
MARCH - MAY 2016 | LiNK BUSINESS QUARTERLY | 19