PARADISE, Calif. - The Paradise Recreation and Park District recently got an award of more than $500,000 for a 15-mile trail loop project on the Ridge.

According to the district, the almost $507,500 will help construct a multi-use trail loop, called the Magalia and Paradise Lake Loop Trail, to connect the community to the rec areas.

The District said the award came from $27.7 million in funding for projects helping to expand access to the outdoors and boost recreational opportunities for communities across the state.

The money comes from the California Natural Resources Agency and comes partially from the Recreational Trails and Greenways grant program funded by Prop 68, passed in 2018.

District Manager Dan Efseaff said the project is being seen as an opportunity to improve access for fuels management and the protection of communities. Efseaff added the trail will continue public access on the Butte County Rail Line.

The Lake Loop Trail Project is one of 19 projects, many in disadvantaged communities, to receive funding.