Laramie has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including the newly opened Spring Creek Trail. With the eventual goal to stretch from 30th to 3rd Street, the Spring Creek Trail provides an in-town opportunity to walk, run, or ride along a trail that marries close proximity, convenience, and natural outdoor spaces. Phase 1 of the Spring Creek Trail project was completed in mid-June.

“The Phase 1 portion of the trail is the springboard to finishing the Spring Creek Trail project. It was by far the most difficult portion of trail to construct due to tight workspaces, the nearby creek, and mixed land ownership. We are proud of the product produced by Reiman Corporation and hope the community enjoys this new amenity,” says Assistant City Manager, Todd Feezer.

The Spring Creek Trail is an exciting addition to Laramie that was adopted in 2016 as part of the City’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The Phase 1 portion of the trail was made possible by Transportation Alternatives Program funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), managed by WYDOT for design and a portion of the construction cost. The remainder of construction costs are funded from the 2018 Special Purpose Tax. The City worked with contractor, Reiman Corporation, throughout the Spring Creek Trail project.

To continue the momentum of Phase 1, the next phase, of four total, is planned to begin as soon as possible. Phase 2 includes trail development from LaPrele Park to 9th Street. Shortly thereafter, Phase 3 will continue the trail from 9^th to 5^th Street and is planned to be constructed alongside other developments in the area. Finally, Phase 4 will include a crossing at Spring Creek and 5^th Street, to a portion of the trail, running from 5^th to 3^rd Street.

Once complete, Spring Creek Trail will link east Laramie from 3^rd Street to the Laramie Community Recreation Center and the retail corridor on east Grand Ave., providing a safe, non-motorized pathway that will span 27 blocks. The trail will also provide a safe route to Spring Creek Elementary School for students and parents after the Albany County School District decided to close Beitel Elementary School.

“Any community support is greatly appreciated. We encourage residents to continue to speak to those in Laramie City government about the value of the trail system and encourage them to continue to support trail development for our community. When it comes to using the trails, we kindly ask that all users practice responsible trail use by walking or riding to the right side of the trail, announcing when passing, and picking up after yourselves and your pets,” says Feezer.

The City of Laramie’s long-term plans for the trail include the connection from 3^rd Street to the existing Laramie River Greenbelt. To do so, the City would need to find the best way to safely cross 3^rd Street and the railroad tracks while working with Union Pacific; finalizing the West and South portions of a full City loop. To learn more about the project, please visit https://www.cityoflaramie.org/1381/Spring-Creek-Trail