Douglas County planning to connect trail networks; 'Model Mile' to show design and costs

Douglas County officials said they are pursuing a strategy to knit together existing trail segments into a continuous network to serve recreation and transportation purposes.

"We're working on a project called the Model Mile," Managing Director James Worthington said, explaining the demonstration will illustrate what a typical mile of connected trail looks like, the funds required and the steps to implement it. Worthington said the plan calls for some connections along roadways, some within existing rights‑of‑way and in other cases limited land acquisition.

He said the county is working with the PATH Foundation — a nonprofit experienced in trail projects — and will bring completed conceptual work to the Board for consideration and sequencing. Worthington framed the Model Mile as a tool for staff and citizens to understand tradeoffs, costs and design choices before the Board decides how much to advance at one time.

Why it matters: A connected trail network could expand active‑transportation options, recreation access and inter‑district mobility across Douglas County, but implementation will require design work, funding decisions and potential property negotiations.

The broadcast recorded no formal approvals or funding commitments for trail construction; Worthington said the Master Plan and Model Mile work will be returned to the Board for buy‑in.