Highland continues pursuing grants for sidewalks, trail projects

By Editor | July 18, 2026 |

By Brittany Blackwell
Reporter

Highland officials continue to pursue grant funding and finalize plans for a series of shared-use path projects to enhance safety and accessibility in the city.

During a public forum held before a council meeting earlier this year, city council members and Highland residents provided feedback on potential improvements. Based on input received by the city’s resident engineer, Jeff Voss, three priorities were identified: constructing a shared-use path along the north side of Broadway between two of the city’s three roundabouts; connecting Glik Park and Silver Lake Park; and connecting Spindler Park to Frank Watson Parkway.

Director of Public Works Joe Gillespie told the Times-Tribune that the city recently applied for federal funding for the first phase of the Broadway project. Although the application was not selected for funding this year, the city plans to submit the project again during the next grant cycle.

Meanwhile, Voss is preparing a grant application for the second priority to connect the two parks. Alignment for the third priority has not yet been finalized, according to Gillespie. The city’s final plan is expected to be completed later this fall.

A community meeting with the city council was held in February to detail the city’s sidewalks and trails master plan. Officials introduced the project, its goals, funding details and community survey results, which garnered 879 total responses. The study was partially funded by grants from the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) and the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD).

For example, almost 80% of respondents walk or ride a bike, with more than 86% agreeing that pedestrian and bicycle facilities should be a priority. In a multiple-choice survey, results showed that among parks, trails and recreation destinations in the area, community members would travel more often to Silver Lake Park (488 votes) and Glik Park, including its Korte Rec Center (370 votes), if it were easier or safer to walk or bike to those locations. When asked the same question about other destinations, respondents felt similarly about Northtown Shopping Center (265 votes) and downtown Highland (370 votes).