Who would of thought?

Just a couple of decades after the construction of bike trails were often met with opposition and ridicule, trails are getting respect and attention as powerful economic engines and valued recreational opportunities.

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Changing Landscapes wowed St. Peter city officials and residents recently with a presentation of what could be in that community.

They suggest the city could build a series of trails winding through the bluffs of St. Peter and connecting to the Sakatah trail in Mankato.

It’s an exciting proposal that city leaders have embraced.

The fact the university has a center that gives communities the research and tools to begin planning in itself shows how much attitudes have changed toward recreational trails. The center brings together several disciplines, including landscape architecture, agriculture, and natural resources to help plan and design trails.

When Mankato area supporters first began pushing for the Red Jacket Trail south of town and the Sakatah Trail, there were lawsuits, bitter debate and an opinion by many that trails would be a waste of money and little used.

Today, it would be hard to find any serious critic of those trails. Families and individuals of all ages make good use of the trails, whether biking, roller-blading or walking.

Since the initial construction, Mankato, North Mankato and county officials have done well in continuing to build and connect the trail system — not an easy thing in established cities.

The idea of someday linking the trails with a system in St. Peter is exciting. St. Peter officials say they want to move ahead with seeking state funding and devising more detailed plans for a trail system.

A trail system snaking through the beautiful river valley between the communities could be a major tourist draw and economic asset for the area.

We only wish there were more promotion of the existing trails. While the system is touted as a tourist and visitor attraction, the community could capitalize more on the trails as a vehicle to see the natural beauty we’re blessed with in the valley.

We’ve come a long way in our appreciation of the trail system. It needs to receive continued support and increased promotion.