TERRA ALTA -- The National Park Service and Terra Alta improvement groups will continue working together during the next year toward their shared goal of developing a trails system in the mountaintop community.

Peggy Pings, of the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, said its staff will continue design work in partnership with the American Society of Landscape Architects' West Virginia Chapter.

The long-term goal is to link trails in the Terra Alta Park, at Terra Alta/East Preston School and at a proposed veterans memorial garden, along with the Allegheny Trail, Cranesville Swamp and Swallow Falls State Park.

But that's long term. For now, "we do have some money to construct the trail in our community park," said Joyce Kotter, of Terra Alta Betterment Inc.

The money is a combination of about $40,000 in grant money from the state and a $10,000 match provided by Terra Alta Betterment, the town of Terra Alta and Terra Alta Economic Development.

The approximately one-mile trail will be made of packed gravel and handicapped accessible. It will circle the park, with paths leading to the baseball field, community building, bathrooms and other areas nearby.

Carol Burdick, of the betterment group, said they hope to start construction next spring. For now, work is continuing to complete the bathrooms in the park and steps to the Shaw Pavilion. Money for the steps came from chances the group sold on donated hogs.

The new playground in the park is already complete. It was one of the first projects spearheaded by Terra Alta Betterment. The group formed six years ago to revitalize the town. In 2002, WVU's First Impressions Program and Community Design Team came to Terra Alta at the betterment group's request. After a year of study and talking with residents, the team presented its plan for community improvement in December 2003.

Since then, TABI has partnered with the town, Terra Alta Economic Development and other groups to make the plan reality.

Pings said in a news release that the plan being worked on now will provide guidelines for something that can benefit everyone in the area.

"The project will link important community and natural resources, and allow families in the Terra Alta area to safely walk, bike or horseback ride, while enjoying the beauty of nature and having fun while getting fit in the fresh air," Pings said.

The National Park Service plans will provide a blueprint for future trail development, Kotter said. Architects have met with residents to hear their suggestions. The plans, when complete, should include cost estimates.