Ruston officially opens phase three of Rock Island Greenway at Cook Park

RUSTON, La. (KNOE) - The City of Ruston held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, offically opening phase three of The Rock Island Greenway at Cook Park.

Attendees at the event included: Mayor Ronny Walker, former State Senator Mike Walsworth, Norman Hanes of the Lincoln Health Foundation, City Council members, and other staff from the city.

The project was made possible by grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield and Lincoln Health Foundation. In addition, a previously passed half-cent sales tax also helped pay for the project.

Mayor Ronny Walker says not only will this provide physical activity and transportation but it will also help improve the quality of life for the entire Ruston community.

He says this is just a continuation of the 20-year “Moving Ruston Forward Initiative.”

“It connects our south farthest part of our city to the northernmost part of our city and everything in between it. These are projects that will affect and benefit the lives of our citizens for decades to come,” said Mayor Walker.

There are two more phases left in the greenway project. Officials say they will start next year.

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