Shelby County has received an $80,000 grant to construct a walking trail at SportsFirst 1996 Soccer Complex, located just off Highway 280.

The grant was awarded through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funds will be used toward completion of the first phase of the project which includes a 10-foot-wide, nearly half-mile long section of the trail which county officials hope will eventually encircle the soccer complex and include a footbridge over a creek at the south end.

The trail will be open for use by walkers, joggers and bicyclers and will provide users of all ages with an opportunity to improve their health and fitness in a natural, wooded area.

County officials have said local children&8217;s health organizations are involved in the design of the complex and plan to offer their patients an opportunity for daily physical therapy.

The county will be responsible for the balance needed to construct the walking trail.