Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 23, 2024 – Dignitaries, bicycle enthusiasts, and members of the public turned out in droves today for the grand opening of 13 miles of bike paths at Craighead Forest Park.

Led by Craig Rickert, Executive Director of the Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission, the list of speakers included Arkansas’ First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, Arkansas’ Parks and Recreation Director Shea Lewis, Mayor Harold Copenhaver, and others.

Rickert said the trails are an example of people working together in a community to accomplish a goal. He praised the effort for increasing the quality of life in Northeast Arkansas.

“This is what makes Jonesboro what Jonesboro is,” Copenhaver said.

Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Director Danny Kapales said the addition of trails makes Jonesboro one of the best destinations for bicyclists in the state. “They elevate what’s offered in Northeast Arkansas,” he said.

Jonesboro resident Alec Farmer, director of the Arkansas Highway Commission, said his parents donated land for what became Craighead Forest Park.

Governor Sarah Sanders’ husband, Bryan Sanders, a biking enthusiast, said Northeast Arkansas is racing ahead.

“Northeast Arkansas is on fire right now,” he said. “Outdoors activities is a strength for our state. This will be a major tourism attraction.”