The Town of Fountain Hills has sent out 500 letters inviting residents to a meeting Wednesday, March 5, to discuss a proposed trail surrounding the hillside neighborhoods north and east of Fountain Park.

According to Community Services Director Mark Mayer, the request to consider a new trail came from some members of the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills.

The group as a whole did not make the request, according to Conservancy Chairman Steve Fleming.

The proposed trail would extend for approximately 2.7 miles around the Puerto Del Lago, Diamante Del Lago, Arriba Del Lago, and Bella Lago neighborhoods. It also passes adjacent to Rancho Montana, Mirage Point and Mirage Heights.

The new trail would run outside the existing Lake Overlook Trail.

There are just a couple of areas where the town has available property to build recreational trails, according to Mayer.

The McDowell Mountain Preserve, for example, already has an extensive trail system.

This proposed trail would add to the recreational hiking and walking options near the center of town.

The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills has a team of trailblazers who have volunteered to build and maintain the trail.

Some residents have already expressed concerns related to a public trail proposal so close to their neighborhoods.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is being held at the Community Center.

Mayer said the proposal could go before the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration sometime in the future.

Input is being sought from the public at this time to gauge the idea’s reception from the public, Mayer added.