Over the next 15 years Birmingham’s Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) will work with the cities of Fairfield, Birmingham, Homewood, and Irondale to create a 36-mile trail loop aimed at forging new green connections in the metro area, according to an action plan the nonprofit recently released.

“It’s going to greatly enhance the quality of life for all our citizens in Fairfield,” said Fairfield Mayor Eddie Penny at a press conference this morning to announce the new loop. “I can’t say enough about the elderly citizens who are always looking for a place to walk. Walking is one of the primary exercise activities for them for health benefits. So being able to offer that is going to be just huge for the city of Fairfield.”

A recent analysis conducted by Alta Design + Planning of Portland, Oregon, which is consulting with FLT for the Red Rock Action Plan, estimates the trail loop will yield $25 million in health, transportation, and economic benefits.

The Red Rock system is a 750-mile network of trails, parks, bike lanes, and sidewalks planned throughout Jefferson County, developed by FLT in partnership with the county health department in 2010, according to the FLT website.

“Our vision is for every trail within each corridor to be connected, allowing Jefferson County residents complete access to routine transportation and recreation,” the site says. “Once completed, the trail system will consist of seven corridors: Jones Valley and Valley Creek, Village Creek, Five Mile Creek, Shades Creek, Cahaba River, Turkey Creek.”