Sparta’s First Mountain Bike Trail Coming This Year

The city of Sparta will soon have its first public mountain bike trail thanks to the efforts of two city employees.

Greg O’Neal and David Zuber have volunteered their time for the past two years creating the trail. Alderman Jerry Lowery supported the effort to finish the trail through a board vote.

“This is an opportunity for us to create even a hike trail and bike trail for residents of the city of Sparta and White County and people surrounding,” Lowery said. “Maybe, bring some tourism in if people want to do that.”

The three quarter mile trail is located across from the White County Animal Shelter. Lowery made a motion to add $1,000 to fund the rest of the project. O’Neal said the extra money will be used to fence the area, add signage and clear space for about 10 parking lots.

“We have done this with all volunteer work,” O’Neal said. “We would do this on weekends, after hours, and we would go  up there in our lunch hour. We have had a lot of help from volunteers, and this thing is about 95 percent done.”

The design is meant for any level of rider and is based off of Cookeville’s Cane Creek Mountain Bike Trail.