DECATUR– The Singing River Trail is thrilled to announce the approval of the City of Decatur’s and Singing River Trail’s $18.4 million Reconnecting Communities grant. This investment will pave the way in reviving the economy within the disadvantaged communities of Old Town Decatur.
The project will fund the construction of the Dr. Bill Sims Hike-Bike Way/Singing River Trail from Point Mallard to Old
Town, totaling 8.77 miles. This trail will include a safe bike and pedestrian greenway system and serve as a vital link to key landmarks such as Rhodes Ferry, Deadman’s Alley on Bank Street, Etta Freeman Park, Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum and the Judge Horton Home, Old Town Historic District, Ingles Harbor, and Malone Park.
The project holds particular significance in reconnecting Old Town, a historically significant African American district, to the rest of Decatur. It represents a step toward honoring the community’s heritage and providing new opportunities for Old Town residents.
“We are thrilled and committed to the vision for a more connected and accessible Decatur,” said Anna Clem, Singing River Trail Associate Director. “We are grateful to the City of Decatur for their collaboration throughout the grant submission process. Their support has been instrumental in advancing our mission of regional collaboration.”
This project will support the Singing River Trail’s vision of a dynamic and interconnected North Alabama. The Singing River Trail is actively working on connectivity projects with Leighton, Bridgeport, Gurley, and Huntsville, including Huntsville’s $65 million skybridge and riverwalk project along Memorial Parkway.
“This award marks a significant milestone in our efforts to connect the entire Tennessee Valley region,” said John Kvach, Singing River Trail Executive Director. “This project will not only bind Decatur together but also serve as a beacon for every town and city along the Singing River Trail.”
The Dr. Bill Sims Hike-Bike Way will include new shared use paths, streetscape improvements, separated bicycle lanes, mid-
block crossings, sidewalks, and new streetscape elements like lighting and landscaping. The project is estimated to be complete in 2028.
For more information about the Dr. Bill Sims Hike-Bike Way on the Singing River Trail: Reconnecting Old Town to Decatur’s Riverfront project, click here.
Media Release/Singing River Trail Logo/John F. Kvach, Ph.D./Executive Director
