Neighbors gathered at the Waterloo Public Library on Tuesday to hear the newly completed preliminary trail improvement plan for northwest and west Douglas County. The meeting gave community members a chance to comment on the county’s vision for a more connected, safer trail network that could serve commuters, students and recreational users.
Community feedback highlights both optimism and caution
Rachael Arens, who describes herself as an “avid runner,” praised the plan’s potential to provide safe routes for exercise and daily travel. “Running around those trails, what we learned was that a lot of those trails don’t connect, and it would spit you out onto very busy arterial roads,” Arens said. She added that the plan would give people “options to commute to work” and “options to commute to school – safe options.”
Other residents echoed the desire for better connectivity. Jake Loftis noted that trails work best when they link to neighboring counties, saying, “Trails work best when they connect to other trails, and you get options of places to go.”
County officials outline challenges and partnership opportunities
Kent Holm, Douglas County Environmental Services Director, acknowledged the difficulty of mixing different trail users. “Vehicular traffic, bikes and walkers and trail users they just aren’t going to mix very well,” Holm explained, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design to protect pedestrians.
Holm also highlighted the role of private development in funding future extensions. “When we have new subdivisions or other development that is being proposed in the county, then where those trails are proposed to go, the private development can be a partner in funding those,” he said, positioning developers as partners in the county’s growth strategy.
Public input process and next steps
Earlier this summer, the county invited residents to leave comments on an interactive map, where many raised concerns about muddy conditions, limited visibility and pedestrian safety. Those comments helped shape the preliminary plan, which now includes proposals for improved drainage, clearer signage and safer crossing points at busy roads.
The plan will be presented to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners for approval in early 2027. If adopted, the county expects to begin phased construction in the following years, prioritizing connections that link existing trails to schools, workplaces and neighboring county systems.
What this means for families and faith communities
For families who rely on walking or biking to get children to school, the proposed network promises a safer, more reliable alternative to driving. Faith‑based groups that organize community walks or youth outings also stand to benefit from a trail system that respects both safety and the natural beauty of the region.
As Douglas County continues to grow, the trail improvement plan reflects a commitment to preserving quality of life while accommodating development. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged through upcoming public meetings and to monitor the Board’s decision in early 2027.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
