We know it’s not “official” yet, but we’re also hoping at this point it’s just a formality.

We’re talking, of course, about naming a new trail in honor of the late Chet Andrews of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills’ own Roy Kinsey.

The new 2.5-mile trail is currently being built up in the McDowells and will connect the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve with the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Both men knew each other for years and long dreamed of having a trail across the McDowells to connect preserve land in both municipalities. Now that dream is becoming reality, and both men deserve to have the connection named in their honor.

Andrews and Kinsey worked hard to establish preserves in their respective communities and shared the love of the outdoors and, in particular, the Sonoran Desert. Sadly, Mr. Andrews died April 12 at the age of 84 as he battled Alzheimer’s disease. Remarkably, he toured a trail in the preserve the day before he died.

Happily, Mr. Kinsey remains alive and well today. Even though he humbly declined any recognition for years, it’s time to follow through on this endeavor. We urge the Scottsdale City Council and Fountain Hills Town Council to quickly act on respective resolutions and formally name this trail in honor of Chet Andrews and Roy Kinsey. They have embodied what the preserves are all about for decades.