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The Baxter County Library Foundation needs to raise an additional $150,000 to reach its $250,000 fundraising goal for the Library Hill Trail project, following a major donation from local philanthropists.
Jess and Beth VanderStek recently contributed $50,000 to the campaign, bringing total funds raised to $100,000. The foundation must secure the remaining funds to match a $456,000 federal grant and establish a maintenance fund for the three-quarter-mile recreational trail.
“We’re on the path to our goal, but we need the community’s support to cross the finish line,” foundation officials said.
The trail will loop around the Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County and connect via crosswalk to existing trails at McCabe Park and Arkansas State University-Mountain Home. Once completed, it will provide safe walking and biking access for students and support outdoor programming including StoryWalk activities.
“Library Hill Trail will enhance the already amazing Library experience,” said Jess VanderStek. “We are pleased to be able to make a significant, lasting impact on the Library experience and on the health and wellness of our entire community.”
The foundation’s “Paving the Way for Library Hill Trail” campaign offers sponsorship levels ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, though contributions of any size are welcome.
Beth VanderStek noted the trail extends the library’s mission beyond traditional services. “The Library has always been a place where people come to help themselves with education, job searching, acquiring information, and the like. Now we can add physical fitness to the list.”
The project complements the City of Mountain Home’s plans to extend the James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail to College Street.
For more information or to contribute, visit BaxLib.org/Library-Hill-Trail or contact Foundation Coordinator Adeana Estoll at [email protected] or 870-580-0705.
