Troy residents had been waiting for a walking trail for some time, but the months of waiting finally came to an end Sunday when the trail officially opened.

The 1.1 mile paved trail extends through the wooded area of the Troy Sportsplex, and Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith said the trail has already become a popular destination for many of Troy’s exercise enthusiasts.

“We’ve seen several people out walking and biking on the trail, so I think it’s been very well received,” Smith said.

While the paved trail is 1.1 miles in length, Smith said there are plans to connect the roughly two miles of pre-existing natural trails to the new trail by the end of the year.

“We’re going to have a number of natural trails that will branch off in the future, and that should take it to about three miles in length,” Smith said.

In the meantime, walkers have had to brave the near 100-degree temperatures in order to take advantage of the Sportsplex’s newest offering.

“I’m sure if it wasn’t so hot, we would see a lot more people out, but I’m sure once the heat starts to subside, we’ll see even more than we already have,” Smith said.

As a result of the heat, many have taken to using the trail only in the mornings and evenings.

However, Smith said people are welcome to use the trail at any point during the day.

“The busiest times have been late in the day or early in the morning, but people are free to come at any time,” Smith said.