A forthcoming addition to South Whidbey’s network of Trustland Trails will provide much-needed space for those looking to access the trails for different reasons.

During a board meeting Wednesday night, South Whidbey Parks and Recreation commissioners approved the construction of a new trail, which will create a short connection to a larger existing loop. The new connection will allow mountain bikers and people on horseback to bypass the ADA loop, which will be converted to pedestrian use only.

Doug Coutts, executive director for the parks and rec district, said he worried about horses coming up to someone in a wheelchair or with a walker on the ADA trail.

“We’ve had some concerns expressed that horses might do damage to that trail,” he said. “From my perspective, it’s a traffic issue.”

The new addition will also provide a link to the parking lot. Due to staffing shortages, Coutts estimated that it will likely be a few months until construction can begin. But once begun, he explained, it should take only a couple of days, since the flagged trail is located in a relatively open area.

At least one member of the public was impressed by the plans.

“Recalling previous concerns about equestrian use of the ADA trail, this seems like a remarkable, good resolution separating those uses for the benefit of all,” South Whidbey resident John Bush said.

The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of beginning construction on the new trail.