On Friday, October 7, 2011, the ADA Watchable Wildlife section of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail was officially opened at the information Kiosk located on Old Highway 270, just one block west of Shangri-La Road. Approximately seventy people attended the ceremony including several seniors from the Montgomery County Assisted Living Facility in Mt. Ida.
The featured speakers were Richard D. Stokes, United State Army Corps of Engineers, Gloria Chrismer, United States Forest Service, Kirstin Bartlow, Arkansas Game and Fish, and Jerry Shields, leader of the LOViT Traildog Volunteers.
Jerry Shields spoke of the key support organizations who have contributed the most to the creation of the ADA Trail, the US Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Arkansas Game & Fish, both of whom have provided grants and other support activities critical to the development of this unique facility. He praised the strong effort of the Traildog volunteers in constructing the ADA approved elevated boardwalk and fishing pier portion of the trail. Jerry also stated that the 900 foot elevated walkway and adjoining pier provide opportunities for physically challenged users to enjoy the beauty of the area and its wildlife population.