Nestled along the natural bluffs of Batesville, Lyon College’s picturesque campus offers a quiet escape into the outdoors. Now, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT), the college’s SCOTS Cross Country Trail will soon undergo a significant transformation to improve accessibility and safety for students, faculty, and the wider community.
The funding, awarded through ArDOT’s 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP), marks a milestone in Lyon College’s ongoing efforts to connect people with nature and promote healthier, active lifestyles. As President Dr. Melissa Taverner stated, “This grant underscores the importance of fostering connections between our campus and the natural beauty surrounding us. By improving the SCOTS Cross Country Trail, we’re not only enhancing the experience for our students and employees but also supporting community access to outdoor recreation.”
The SCOTS trail—a network of about five miles of hiking and biking pathways—has long been a centerpiece of outdoor life on campus, but its resurfacing and safety improvements will make the trail more accessible to a wider range of users. From students seeking a moment of solitude after a long day of studies to local families exploring the bluff trails on weekends, these upgrades are set to benefit the community for generations to come.
The project also serves as a reflection of broader trends in outdoor infrastructure investment. TAP, part of the reauthorized Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, prioritizes funding for pedestrian, bicyclist, and other non-motorized transportation initiatives. In 2024 alone, ArDOT allocated $16.7 million for 54 TAP projects statewide, along with $2.5 million for 11 recreational trails under the RTP. Lyon College’s SCOTS trail stood out among recipients for its potential to enhance both environmental stewardship and community well-being.
A Collaborative Vision
For Dr. David Hutchison, Lyon College’s vice president for advancement, the grant represents a collective effort between Lyon College, ArDOT, and local advocates for outdoor recreation. “This project represents a collaborative effort to enhance both safety and accessibility on the bluff trails,” Hutchison said. “We’re grateful for ArDOT’s support and look forward to creating a resource that will benefit the entire community for years to come.”
The enhancements will further Lyon College’s Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP), an initiative designed to immerse students in outdoor education and recreation. Director Mac Harn underscored the significance of these upgrades for LEAP’s mission, explaining, “Resurfacing and enhancing the trails will allow us to expand outdoor education and adventure opportunities for our students. The upgrades align perfectly with our mission to connect students with nature and encourage active lifestyles.”
But the improvements extend beyond adventure alone. Amanda Roberts, director of Lyon’s Safe Scots program, highlighted the trails’ importance to health and wellness initiatives on campus. “Having well-maintained trails is critical to encouraging outdoor activity and a sense of well-being among our campus and community members,” she said. “These improvements will make a real difference in ensuring everyone can enjoy the trails safely.”
Growing Investments in Outdoor Spaces
The $100,000 grant builds on Lyon College’s momentum to improve its outdoor spaces. Earlier this year, the college received a $30,000 grant from the Intimidator Group and The Toro Company as part of a combined $90,000 investment in five area nonprofits. That funding also contributed to trail maintenance and improvements, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation in the Batesville area.
These efforts are about more than infrastructure—they speak to the values of a college rooted in its environment and connected to its community. From the stillness of the bluff trails overlooking the White River to the energy of cross-country runners carving paths through the forested campus, Lyon College’s outdoor spaces are integral to campus life. The resurfacing and accessibility upgrades ensure that these trails remain an open invitation for exploration, recreation, and wellness for everyone.
As the improvements take shape, the SCOTS Cross Country Trail will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, local leaders, and state agencies work together with a shared purpose: fostering connection, safety, and opportunity in the great outdoors.
