The City of Paris recently held a public input meeting to share plans for the Fairgrounds Road and Royal Oak Drive sidewalk project and gather feedback from residents. Funded through a Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant, this project will directly address long-standing safety concerns, provide safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
The meeting was led by City Manager Kim Foster and Bob Saffin, Engineer with TLM Associates, who explained the project’s design, timeline, and community benefits.
Why This Project Matters
Fairgrounds Road is one of the busiest areas in Paris, especially during major community events like the World’s Biggest Fish Fry and the Henry County Fair. Currently, pedestrians have to walk along dangerous ditches, curves, and road edges with no sidewalks.
“This project is about safety first,” said City Manager Kim Foster. “It will also provide new connections that improve the way residents move around our community and enjoy daily life.”
The TA grant prioritizes projects that:
- Protect pedestrians and cyclists with safe pathways.
- Increase connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, and retail areas.
- Ensure ADA accessibility so everyone can travel safely and comfortably.
Design and Scope
The new sidewalk will create a continuous route from Patriot Mart to Mineral Wells Avenue, filling a major gap in the city’s pedestrian network.
Key design features include:
- Fairgrounds Road: Sidewalk along the south side, with a crosswalk at Royal Oak Drive.
- Royal Oak Drive: Sidewalk on the east side, linking to Lone Oak and nearby neighborhoods.
- Fairgrounds ADA Access: A new small accessible parking lot providing direct entry.
- Intersection Upgrades at East Wood Street: Safer pedestrian signals, countdown timers, and painted crosswalks.
- Drainage-Aware Construction: Sidewalk placed behind roadside ditches to minimize flooding and erosion issues.
- Visibility & Safety: Detectable warning strips, raised curbs, and concrete markings across driveways.
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“These upgrades will make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to walk safely,” explained Engineer Bob Saffin. “Whether that’s students heading to school, families going to the Fairgrounds, or residents walking for exercise.”
Cost & Timeline
- Estimated cost: $1.3 million
- Funding: 80% federal TA grant, 20% local match from the City of Paris
- Stage: Preliminary design and plan review
- Construction: Expected to begin within the next year
“These federal grants are a game-changer,” Foster said. “They allow us to complete projects that make Paris safer and improve our community’s quality of life.”
What It Means for Paris
Once complete, this project will:
- Provide safe, accessible routes for families, students, and event visitors.
- Connect residential neighborhoods to retail areas and community hubs.
- Encourage healthier lifestyles with more walkability.
This is more than just a sidewalk—it’s an investment in safety, accessibility, and community well-being.
Share Your Input
Your voice matters. Help shape the future of transportation in Paris by taking our short survey:
Stay Connected
Want to stay up-to-date on the Fairgrounds Road & Royal Oak Drive Sidewalk Project? Join our project-specific email list to receive updates on design progress, construction timelines, and future community meetings.