City of Paragould receives recognition

The trail, which is proposed to connect to the city’s parks, school systems and other areas of interest, is designed to provide safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as promote health and wellness.

Local organizations that are assisting with the project include the Greene County Future Fund and the Leadership Paragould Alumni, both of which have assisted with raising funds for the trail.

Alison Hestand, director of economic development and CEO of the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the trail will offer a huge quality of life enhancement for the residents of Greene County.

“Not only will the trail enhance the health and wellness of our community, it also allows for future development along the trail route,” she said. “With the trail connecting residents, businesses, city parks, public school buildings, healthcare offices and more, the possibilities of growth are endless.”

She said the trail is a wise investment for the community.

“This investment in the quality of life of Paragould residents just gives us one more attribute that makes Paragould a wonderful and thriving community that we are lucky to call home,” she said. “The Trendsetter Award helps us tell this story.”

Paragould is also currently listed by the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce as number nine in the top 10 cities to live in Arkansas. The ranking was based on different qualities in the city, such as employment, education and quality of life.

Paragould Mayor Josh Agee said he believes Paragould is more than worthy of that placement.

“If you look around, we check a lot of those boxes,” he said. “I feel like being recognized as a top 10 place to live in Arkansas goes hand in hand with this Trendsetter award.”

Agee said low cost of living, great school systems, low utility costs and good jobs are just some the things that make the city a good place to live.

“Quality of life is a huge deal,” he said. “I think it’s an exciting time for Northeast Arkansas.”