Supporters of the Firefly Trail are celebrating exceeding a fundraising goal.
Donors gave just over $62,000 for the Firefly Trail's Model Miles project, which is slightly above it's goal. When completed, the Firefly Trail will be a 39-mile long path from Athens to Union Point. President Mark Ralston says the trail benefits the community on many levels.
"So it's safe, it gives people a place to exercise and do active transportation that's removed from the road," Ralston said.
He says safety is just one of many positive attributes of the trail.
"In other communities where trails have been built, and there are more than 30,000 miles of trails across the country, they've stimulated economic development, they've improved health and safety. They're just a tremendous asset for the communities they are involved in."
More than 300 donors contributed. As a thank you, organizers are holding a celebration at Terrapin Beer Company June 15th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.