USI will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new USI-Burdette Park Trail at 10:10 a.m. on Oct. 10.

The ceremony will celebrate a joint connection between USI and Burdette Park, said Director of Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Dave Enzler.

“It’s unique for a university and a park to be together,” he said. “We want to celebrate … the collaboration between such entities.”

The trail is just over three miles in length and has been open for about a year, said Enzler, but what has been done since then is what makes it unique.

“Having benches along the way is a nice feature to have,” he said. “And having security phones about every 300 meters is important.”

The greatest features may simply be found in the beauty of the trail, he said.

“There are a series of geologic features, such as drainage patterns, ridges and sandstone topography,” senior Travis Hatfield said. “I’ve also seen barred owls, yellow finches, red foxes and eastern box turtles on the trail.”

Hatfield, who has been involved with the trail since before it was built, said he enjoys the natural element the most.

“There is a cool drainage basin to the left about halfway from USI to Burdette Park,” said Hatfield. “Also, on the other side of the practice soccer fields, on the opposite side of the trail, there is a sandstone gully that has a series of small waterfalls.”

Hatfield said he hopes the upcoming event is helpful in boosting the trail’s reputation on campus.

“The ribbon-cutting would be completely pertinent to help raise awareness of the trail,” he said. “I hope it helps students understand the gem of a trail we have.”