Signs, like this one from Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, are part of the refurbishing efforts made possible by the Great American Trails Grant.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Darden Foundation have announced Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department was selected as a Great American Trails grant recipient.

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department is one of eight communities awarded this grant in 2012.

Great American Trails grants will help improve trail infrastructure while promoting the multitude of benefits that trails provide communities.

LongHorn Steakhouse, one of Darden’s restaurant brands that operates more than 380 restaurants across the country, will engage its restaurant teams in this effort locally.

Local parks and trails are important community resources supporting conservation and environmental sustainability efforts while helping connect people to nature.

“Thanks to the generosity of NRPA, Darden Fundation and Longhorn Steaks, the multitudes of daily visitors to our extensive greenways system will find their experience greatly enhanced,” said Lanny Goodwin, director of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. “This grant allows us to keep what has become a great community treasure up to the standards of excellence we pursue in our all facilities and programs."

Through the Great American Trails program the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department will refurbish and enhance the signage along the Murfreesboro Greenway System, including the trailheads.

“At Longhorn, we believe in hard work and doing things the right way, part of which means giving back to the local communities we serve,” said Dave George, president of Longhorn Steakhouse. “Guests visit us to spend time with family and friends, and what better way to extend this idea beyond our restaurant than by providing support to help refurbish outdoor, public spaces for families to enjoy.”

Trails across the United States contribute to a more interconnected community and foster active modes of transportation such as walking and biking.

By their very nature, trails also protect, sustain and restore open spaces – making communities more livable and improving the quality of life.

For more information about the Great American Trails program, visit www.nrpa.org/greatamericantrails.