Will O’Connor is an Alabama Bright Light, connecting people and communities through River Region Trails
Will O'Connor, executive director of River Region Trails, is working to enhance quality of life in and around Montgomery. (contributed)
The greatest work reward for Will O’Connor is spotting folks walking and bicycling along the trails in and around downtown Montgomery.
The executive director of River Region Trails embraces the goal of the nonprofit, which is to expand walking and bicycle trails and parks in the River Region of central Alabama, including Montgomery. O’Connor hopes these trails will improve public health and quality of life, and be a catalyst for economic development, improved transportation options and community connectivity.
“River Region Trails is an organization advocating for the development of a network of bicycle and pedestrian greenways, parks and outdoor resources in the River Region,” O’Connor said. “There are a variety of uses for our trails. One is an alternative means of transportation for those who don’t have access to a vehicle. Additionally, there is a recreational component.”
Phase One will be a 30-mile pedestrian trail that links east Montgomery to downtown. The connected loop makes use of abandoned rail lines, creek beds, streets and sidewalks.
“The city of Montgomery and its surrounding areas have a vibrant bicycle, walking and running community, but at the same time, there are not a lot of places to safely ride,” O’Connor said. “The River Region Trails system provides a much safer space to do all of those things.”
Will O’Connor of River Region Trails is an Alabama Bright Light from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Plans for River Region Trails include a nature center and a boardwalk through a 260-acre Cypress Nature Park in downtown Montgomery. To help fund construction and development of these projects, O’Connor is working with multiple partners, including the Alabama Power Foundation.
“The Alabama Power Foundation has been an early supporter of our project. They are interested in helping those trying to improve the quality of life for the region,” O’Connor said. “The Alabama Power Foundation has been a big partner along our journey. And despite the pandemic, they have continued their support.”
The health pandemic affected the operations of River Region Trails like most other organizations, but O’Connor and his staff persevered.
“We started in January of 2020, right before COVID hit. It was a double-edged sword because the pandemic showed that this area is missing the ability to work, live and recreate outside. COVID exposed that need for the River Region Trails in our area,” O’Connor said.
The work of River Region Trails hits on a personal level for O’Connor.
“I moved to Montgomery 12 years ago. One of the reasons I stayed was because the people here needed a trail system like this. Every day I drive through downtown, I see people riding bikes and walking on our trails, and it reminds me of all the folks who benefit. It’s just lovely,” O’Connor said. “It feels very gratifying.”
For more information, visit, www.riverregiontrails.org.
