Updates

2013 Dallas City Council Race - District 11 and 13 Candidates Survey

FoNHT 2013 Dallas City Council Election Survey - District 11 and 13 Candidates

The Friends of Northaven Trail provided this survey to each of the District 11 and District 13 candidates since the Northaven Trail is planned to extend from District 11 across District 13.  With the retirement of Council members Linda Koop and Ann Margolin, both strong supporters of the Northaven Trail and the Dallas Bike Plan, we felt that the views of the candidates on the completion of the Trail system is an important issue for voters in the District 11 and 13 races.  The content of their answers below could serve as a barometer of their willingness to put an effort in towards locating alternate funding for the Trail’s completion which potentially could be delayed until 2017.

What are your views on the City’s continued investment to build out a hike and bike trail system (Dallas Bike Plan)?

Jennifer Staubach Gates:  To be a great city, we must have great basics, and that means smooth roads, great schools, strong police and fire protection and parks and rec centers. With better parks, rec centers and trails, we can create a healthier and safer community that will attract new families to our city.

Leland Burk:  I support the Dallas Bike Plan and feel it is not only an important quality of life issue for our residents, but is important in attracting new business to Dallas. Companies rate community amenities very highly, along with low taxes and an educated work force when deciding to relocate. I personally enjoy biking on the trail!

Lee Kleinman:  I am a strong supporter and proponent of an expansion of the Dallas Bike Plan as well as the expansion of the off-street Hike and Bike Trails.  These quality of life projects bring neighborhoods together which reduces crime, has a positive effect on public health in the form of exercise (reducing obesity) and clean air (less driving).  They also provide much needed green space in areas that have little parkland.  The NHT for example turned a marginally maintained easement into a 2-mile linear park.  Working with Oncor to make this happen shows their commitment to the quality of life for Dallas residents.

Ori Raphael:  I support the hike and bike system, but believe before we spend additional tax dollars, we must prioritize funding for our massive infrastructure needs . I feel that there is a great opportunity to continue funding our hike and bike trail system through public-private partnerships.

 

As a component of that Plan, what are your views on The Northaven Trail (NHT) system, which starts in District 11 and is planned to continue through District 13 to the Walnut Hill DART Station?

Ori:  Same view as stated above.

Lee:  The NHT is a key component to the plan as the only east-west trail in North Dallas.  The corridor parallels several key traffic patterns including LBJ, Forest Lane and Royal Lane.  The intermodal connections to both the Forest Lane Station and the Walnut Hill Station enables the NHT to contribute to the overall transportation plan of Dallas.

Leland:  Since this is in the heart of my district, I support the plan. I am proud to have the support of Ann Margolin, who dedicated a portion of her discretionary funds to help build the Northaven Trail. I look forward to working with your organization and our city to expand the trail system.

Jennifer:  As a mother of two and an aunt to more than 17 nieces and nephews, all of which live in our Council District, I know first hand the value of our local parks, green spaces, trails and rec centers. I support the Northaven Trail concept, as long as funding is available.

Would you support funding the NHT expansion into District 13? 

Lee:  Yes.  Trail projects have been shown to have a high amount of impact relative to their cost.  The cost per encounter for a trail is lower than that of many other uses for city bond money.  Expanding into 13 is important to create additional parkland in an area where there is little.  Also, this will give trail access to several churches, schools and community centers such as the YMCA.  It gives residents and opportunity to walk or ride to these facilities without having to drive a car.

Ori:  Again, if funds can be raised through private donations and corporate support I am fully in favor. I am not in favor of using tax dollars at this time.

Jennifer:  I would support the expansion of the NHT into District 13. We must consciously work to grow these types of amenities for our City to compete with up and coming cities like Austin, Portland, Boulder and Seattle who are able to attract young families for their great quality of life.

Leland: Yes.

The expansion of the NHT through District 13 is largely a City obligation to fund through the 2012 voter-approved Bond Program.  The City has said that the expansion of the NHT may take until 2017 to initiate from Preston Road.  With regards to the expansion schedule, do you think it is to slow, about right, or too fast? Please explain?

Jennifer:  The expansion of the NHT will be a great amenity for the entire City. In order to ease the burden and speed up the process, I would look to the private sector for funding to supplement the City bond funding.

Leland: I would like to see the schedule advanced, but I also feel our infrastructure needs concerning streets and alleys should remain a very high priority. As you know, the city manager and council set spending priorities based upon the needs of each council district and those priorities and dates have been set. I would certainly like to review the bond expenditure schedule for District 13 and see what can and should be done.

Ori:  Bond money is spent according to a strict criteria set forth by the city manager and approved by the council. Discussion on when these expenditures should be made should have happened when the schedule was presented to council. I’m sure Ms. Koop and Mr. Kleinman were aware of the timing of these expenditures and therefore in agreement. I think the planning time takes too long and there could have been many ways of speeding up the process.

Lee:  I think it is too slow.  We should capitalize on the excitement and momentum created by the development of the first section.  In North Dallas, this trail is something everyone is talking about.  We should do what we can to leverage resources to accelerate the development plan.

As a Council Member, would you be willing to invest time to identify potential funding sources outside of the City’s bond funds in order to speed up completion of the Trail?

Ori:  My emphasis will be to getting back to basics, balancing the budget and ensuring the core needs of my community are met. I will be happy to work on the community’s behalf in speaking with other entities, especially private corporations, organizations and individuals for endeavors like the trail.

Lee:  Yes.  There are several leverage opportunities to increase funding for the Trail.  Dallas County has partnered with the City on this project and private donors have made significant contributions.  I was instrumental in those partnerships and intend to continue to seek out additional funding sources for expansion.

Leland:  Yes, I am a strong believer in public-private partnerships and with my business experience and civic involvement. I will certainly help in this effort.

Jennifer:  If elected, I would use my position in the community to look for greater involvement from the private sector and nonprofits. More generous donations like the one from Virginia Cook, will help supplement the City’s bond funds and grow the NHT.

The Dallas Bike Plan was developed and recently modified to create a plan for development of a 300 mile system of interconnecting hike and bike trails.  Do you see a benefit to the development of this system other than the recreational opportunities these trails will provide?

Jennifer:  Yes, in addition to recreational opportunities, the bike plan also provides connectivity of the trails, and it serves a greater transportation purpose. The two projects are complementary. 

Leland:  As I stated above, expansion of our economic base by drawing new business to Dallas is critical to our future and quality of life issues are important to companies and people considering moving here. Health benefits and encouraging people to use alternative modes of transportation to improve our air quality are important factors as well.

Lee:  Yes.  I served on the Dallas Bike Plan Steering committee along with several Council Members and representatives from DART, Dallas County, NTCOG, DISD, etc.  This system will enable bicycling in Dallas to be part of the transportation system.  In addition to traffic relief, parking relief and air quality, this system interconnects our off-street trail system enabling people access to DART, shopping, restaurants and churches without the need to drive a car.  It provides and option that was not there before.

Ori:  These plans help draw new business to our city because business and people rank quality of life issues high on the list. However, low taxes and good schools are of critical importance too.

Soon there will be two ballot propositions presented to the Council for vote which authorize the City to sell two pieces of parkland.  

Proposition No. 1

Authorizing the city council to: (1) convey by sale or exchange up to approximately

25 acres of city park land contained in Joey Georgusis Park, which is located

near the intersection of Interstate Highway 30 and Cockrell Hill Road and which has

limited accessibility for recreational use, and (2) use the proceeds of the

conveyance for the enhancement of the City of Dallas park and recreation system.

Proposition No. 2

Authorizing the city council to: (1) convey by sale or exchange up to all of the city

park land contained in Elgin B. Robertson Park, which is located at Lake Ray

Hubbard and which is of limited use and accessibility to City of Dallas residents,

and (2) use the proceeds of the conveyance for the enhancement of the City of Dallas park and recreation system.

As a newly elected member to the Council, what are your views on selling park land, using City resources to acquire park land, and would you support initiatives like the two discussed below

Ori:  Yes.

Lee:  Selling park land can become and emotional issue.  Having served on the Park Board for 5 years I had the opportunity to understand what is in Dallas’ inventory and the  utilization levels of Dallas residents.  Initiating the sale of park land is done via referendums such as these.  It is the only property in the city that goes through this process.  I am in favor of both propositions.  The land in Proposition 1 is irregularly shaped and situated in a light industrial area.  It could never be used for any recreational purpose.  The land in Proposition 2 is well outside the city limits and primarily benefits the residents of Rockwall County.  Few Dallas residents use this area.  I favor these propositions because the proceeds are designated for land acquisition and capital improvements within the City of Dallas as well as designated specifically for park projects.  This will enable the park system to provide more services to Dallas residents.

 

Leland:  I am in favor of both these Propositions. 

Jennifer:  I support Proposition No. 1. By selling this piece of undeveloped land that was donated to the City we can not only use proceeds to enhance parks that would serve more citizens, but the sale will also support a development project that will create new tax revenues for the City.

I support Proposition No. 2. . This park land is not adjacent to the City of Dallas and is expensive to maintain especially considering the number of Dallas residents it serves. It makes perfect sense that we should divest of this land and use the proceeds to enhance parks that serve a greater number of Dallas citizens.

 

 

Spring 2013 Update

With the blooming of the wildflowers and increase in neighbors out on the trail, Spring must be here!  It's been a few months since we've provided a list of what we've been up to, so read on for several trail updates and trail happenings.

Friends of Northaven Trail Receive Trail Advocacy Award from American Trails

On April 16, at the 21st National Trails Awards Program presented by American Trails, the Friends of Northaven Trail received the Trail Advocacy Award for Texas.  Thanks American Trails for recognizing our efforts as well as the collective efforts of the Trail's planners, la terra design and the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department!

The Trail Advocacy award is given to an individual/group that has demonstrated successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance.

Trail Improvements

Commemorative Paver Engravings

We recently completed another round of paver engravings at multiple locations along the trail.  Thanks to everyone who donated a commemorative paver. Community funding is critical to capital improvements and Trail maintenance.  The Commemorative Paver program thus far has raised $38,200.  If you haven’t gotten one yet, there are still paver spots available and donations are eligible for tax deductions under IRS Guidelines.   Visit the donation page on the website –www.northaventrail.org/donate - or email us to purchase yours - info@northaventrail.org.

Freda Stern Parking Area

The respite and parking area at Freda Stern were recently completed.  Featuring a water fountain, water misters and seating, the parking area/respite should be a popular rest spot and amenity on the trail this summer.   Our appreciation goes to our supporters at the JCC for their contribution to the creation of this important Trail amenity.

Thanks to paver contributions and several potential donors, FoNHT Trail has tentative plans to plant 28 trees, native grasses and perennial plants in the Respite and median areas. This will be a great opportunity for us to plan a Landscape Planting so our Friends and supporters can work together in making a lasting contribution to the beauty of the Trail. We will keep you posted with an announcement in May.

New water fountain near Royalshire

Many of you have probably seen the new water fountain on the trail near Royalshire. Made possible by a generous donation from Mark and Carol Kreditor, the water fountain will definitely be an oasis this summer for walkers, joggers and bikers on the western end of the trail.  Many thanks to the Kreditors for their donation and for giving back to the community!

Hillcrest Forest Neighborhood Association Seating Area

Thanks to a generous donation from the HFNA, a new seating area between Hillcrest and St. Judes was recently installed with three Lueders Limestone seating benches. Thanks to Bruce Wilke, the HFNA Board, and everyone in HFNA for their support and adoption of the trail.

Upcoming Events and Projects

26th Annual JCC Bagle Run, Sunday, May 19th, 8:00 AM

Sponsored by our neighbors at the Aaron Family JCC, this year’s Bagel Run will feature a new course that utilizes sections of The Northaven Trail.  The race features a kids K, a 5K and a 10K.  For more information, please visit the JCC website for race information.  We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Dallas City Council Election

District 11 and 13 seats are up with the retirement of Linda Koop and Ann Margolin. These seats are important to the timing and funding of the Trail's westward expansion and the full development of the Dallas Bike Plan. Please take time to read each candidate's position on the development of Parks at each candidate's campaign website.  FoNHT want to express our gratitude to Council Members Koop and Margolin for their past and future support of the Northaven Trail.  It is not Friends of Northaven Trail's position to endorse candidates for the upcoming Dallas City Council election.  To help inform you as to each candidate's position on the development of the Trail, the Dallas Bike Plan and support of Parks in general, we recently provided the candidates with a survey.  Their responses are being collected and will be published shortly before election voting begins.

Landscape Plans

FoNHT is working with CCA Landscape Architects and its owner, Caye Cook, who developed a landscape plan for the Freda Stern Respite. FoNHT is also working with CCA on a landscape plan for the Virginia Cook St. Michaels Respite and the Royalshire Respite.  Future projects will be planned at each of these locations.

Thanks!

Mowing

And last but definitely not least, many thanks to Ken Beem, District Park Maintenance Supervisor, and his team for carefully avoiding the wildflowers as they mowed the Trail last week, as well as for their constant support to maintain the City's trail system.

Thank you for your continued support of the Northaven Trail.  We look forward to seeing you out on the trail or around the neighborhood!

New Water Fountain

Thanks to Mark and Carol Kreditor for the new water fountain near Royalshire!

Thanks to Mark and Carol Kreditor for the new water fountain near Royalshire!

Friends of Northaven Trail would like to thank Mark and Carol Kreditor for their generous donation of a water fountain near Royalshire on the trail.  The fountain will be much appreciated by trail users in the coming summer months and for years to come.  Thanks Kreditors!

Thanks Royal Knoll Townhome Association!

Royal Knoll Townhome Association has adopted Northaven Trail and spends one Saturday morning each month clearing debris and pet droppings to keep the trail looking and smelling fresh.  The City of Dallas provides clean up tools and the Royal Knoll residents enjoy their time cleaning and chatting.  If anyone would like to join them, visit our Facebook page and let us know and we’ll be in touch! Thank you, Royal Knoll!

Friends from Royal Knoll Townhome Association help cleanup the trail each month.

Thank you, Virginia Cook!

The City of Dallas recently honored Virginia Cook, CEO of Virginia Cook, Realtors, during the February 20 City Council meeting for her support of the city’s park and trails system (The Northaven Trail recently received a significant donation from Virginia Cook). “Private -Public partnerships such as the Virginia Cook-Northaven Trail partnership allow the City to leverage resources and provide better facilities and services to our residents,” said Lee Kleinman, Park and Recreation Board Member, Council District 11. “Virginia's contribution to the Friends of Northaven Trail is just another demonstration of her dedication to improving the quality of life for Dallas residents.” “Virginia understands that great neighborhoods thrive because people associate with each other in smaller groups.  Trails and parks build community pride, desirable neighborhoods and support property values,” said Mr. Kleinman.

“We love everything the respite offers Dallas,” said Ms. Cook, noting that leaders dating back to President John F. Kennedy have recognized the catalyst a hike and bike trail system plays in creating a healthier, safer and more connected community.

“This will be a place neighbors meet and get acquainted. Pet lovers will stop for a drink for the dog, bikers can air up their tires, and walkers can simply take a break and enjoy the views.” Ms. Cook’s contribution to the Northaven Trail continues a 14-year history of support to the communities the North Texas firm serves. She is currently president of the Dallas Woman’s Forum, which owns the historic Alexander Mansion at 4607 Ross.

You can read more about it here.

City Hall recently honored Virginia Cook for supporting the City's trail system (Northaven Trail in particular).

Trail Update and Gift Reminder

Installation of City Ordinance Signage

Since the Trail opened last spring, we have been contacted by a number of Trail users voicing concern of the risk posed to runers, bikers, children at play, and walkers from unleashed pets. For years, the Oncor easement was a strip of land used by dog owners to exercise their pets with minimal risk to others in the neighborhood.  With the opening of the Trail, the land now is under the control of the City Park & Recreation Department.  As with any public park, pet owners are now required to comply with the City's leash ordinances when walking their pets along the Trail.  Last week, in response to recommendations by The Friends of Northaven Trail, the City Park & Recreation Department began installing signage to serve as a notice and reminder to Trail users that all pets are required to be leashed.  You will notice the bilingual signage installed between all street crossings.  Please adhere to the City's safety ordinances so all Trail users can enjoy the benefits this Trail offers our community.

Tax Deductible Gifts

As the end of the year is upon us, some of us are possibly considering making a tax deductible gift before the 2012 tax year ends.  The Friends of Northaven Trail is a 501c3 organization that is now actively raising funds to support future Trail expansion, installation and maintenance of landscape in designated locations, and installation of amenities as needed on the existing portions of the Trail.

We have an active paver program to facilitate donations ranging from $100 to $2,500, and a naming program to facilitate larger donations at the Trail's half-mile and mile markers.  Donors to the paver program will receive recognition at one of four flagstone sections along the Trail.  The initial engravings are located near the JCC and between Edgemere and Ricks.

For as little as $100, you can have a name engraved on a beautiful commemorative paver.

Examples of projects to be funded through our donor programs include the installation in 2013 of a water fountain at the Royalshire respite, landscaping at the Royalshire respite, and tree plantings from St. Michaels to the Freda Stern Drive parking respite (now under construction).

Donations can be made securely through PayPal on the donate page.  For further information, you may also contact Dean Fogel or Jeff Genecov via email at fundraising@northaventrail.org.

Virginia Cook donation

Our thanks to Virginia Cook, Realtors for the generous donation to the Northaven Trail!  As detailed in the press release below, the donation will go towards the respite at St. Michaels and Lavendale. ----------------

Happy Holidays, Dallas!

Virginia Cook, Realtors Funds Segment of Hike and Bike Trail

From left: Linda Koop Councilwoman, District 11; Virginia Cook and Sheila Rice, Virginia Cook, Realtors; David Griffin, David Griffin & Company/Virginia Cook, Realtors; Lee Kleinman, Dallas Park Board Member, District 11; and Lois Finkleman, former City Council and Park Board member…and visionary of the Northaven Trail.

Virginia Cook, Realtors launched the holiday season with a financial gift  that will fund the respite section of the Northaven Trail,  the City of Dallas’ newest commuter and recreational bike and hike trail.

The announcement was made during the independently-owned real estate firm's holiday gathering at The Alexander Mansion on December 4.

“Making a gift of enduring value to the community that we serve is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Virginia Cook, CEO. “The Northaven Trail runs through the heart of our business home and will ultimately enrich the quality of life for citizens throughout Greater Dallas for generations to come.”

The Northaven Trail is a public trail built and maintained by the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. The trail currently runs through the Oncor power line easement between Northaven Road and Royal Lane. The master plan takes the trail all the way from Central Expressway to Denton Drive, with plans to connect to the White Rock Trail on the east and Irving’s Campion Trail on the west. There will also be connections to DART’s Forest Lane Station and Walnut Hill / Denton Station.

The respite section funded by Virginia Cook, Realtors is located at St. Michael’s and Lavendale and will feature stone bench seating, a bike repair station, landscaping, and water fountains for people and dogs. It will also be the site for community-oriented events such as “movie night in the park”.

“We love everything the respite offers Dallas,” said Ms. Cook, noting that leaders dating back to President John F. Kennedy have recognized the catalyst a hike and bike trail system plays in creating a healthier, safer and more connected community.

“This will be a place neighbors meet and get to know each other. It’s a place where families play together. Pet lovers stop for a drink for the dog, bikers air up their tires, and walkers can simply take a break and enjoy the views,” said Ms. Cook.

While the City of Dallas’ 2006 Bond monies provided for the construction and on-going maintenance of The Northaven Trail, many of the additional amenities, such as the respite area, are funded through corporate and citizen donations.

“We cannot thank Virginia Cook, Realtors enough for this commitment to the Friends of Northaven Trail and to the residents of Preston Hollow and Dallas,” said Lee Kleinman, Park and Recreation Board Member, Council District 11. “Your leadership demonstrates that public private partnerships are an effective way to build community.”

Virginia Cook, Realtors’ contribution to the Northaven Trail continues a 13-year history of support to the communities the North Texas firm serves. In 2012 alone, the company and its agents have contributed funds and volunteer labor to more than 100 civic, art and charitable organizations.

Virginia Cook is currently president of the Dallas Woman’s Forum, which owns the historic Alexander Mansion at 4607 Ross Avenue where the company’s associates and civic and community leaders gathered on December 4. In addition to restoring the architecturally significant property, the Forum supports enrichment programs for the nearby Landaur Child Care Group and the music program at DISD’s Birdie Alexander Elementary School.

For information, visit virginiacook.com.

Tis' the Season!

What a positive impact the first phase of Northaven Trail has been on our neighborhood in 2012. Why not celebrate the holiday season with a donation and help further the mission of the Friends group (in short, to beautify and expand the Northaven Trail). For as little as $100, a commemorative paver donation is a great gift for your family or loved ones.

For as little as $100, you can have a name engraved on a beautiful commemorative paver.

For a $25 donation, we have a limited quantity of Northaven Trail hats available as our holiday thank you gift to you.

image

Show your support and grab a hat for yourself or for a holiday gift!

October 30 - Public Meeting Update

The October 30 public workshop at the JCC was attended by 30 neighbors and interested people.  In addition to residents, Dallas County, the City of Dallas, Texas Department of Transportation, Bike DFW, the Friends and White Rock Creek Trail and the Friends of Northaven Trail were all in attendance.  Dallas Council Member Linda Koop as well Park Board Members Larry Jones and Lee Kleinman also attended.  Chris Davis, representing County Commissioner Maurine Dickey's Office as well as Alberta Blair, Dallas County Director of Public Works attended as well.
The county discussed three options for connecting the east end of the Northaven Trail to the White Rock Creek Trail near the Cottonwood Trail.  This connection has been named the "Low Five" due to the close proximity to the High Five Interchange and the fact that there will be 5 possible directions of travel from this point.
The options included:
  1. A bridge over Central Expressway (US 75) from the intersection of Northaven Road and the South bound Service Road landing in the parking lot on the east side of Central an another bridge crossing the creek near the DART bridge.
  2. A route that follows Valleydale and Park Central Place, then follows the west side of White Rock Creek, goes under all lanes of Central Expressway,  and Crosses near the DART bridge.
  3. A street route that follows St. Michael's to Forest Lane and joins the White Rock Creek Trail.
The most desired option is #1, but it is the most expensive.  Dallas County will Apply for a STEP (State Transportation Enhancement Program) Grant from TxDOT to help fund this project.  Dallas County has already committed over $2,000,000 to the project.
The reactions from the neighbors was positive and and the questions were mostly points of clarification.

Public workshop - NHT to White Rock Creek Trail/Low Connection - Oct. 30

Don’t forget the public workshop to discuss the Northaven Trail to White Rock Creek Trail/Low 5 Multimodal Connection on Tuesday, October 30, 6:30-8:30 pm at the JCC on Northaven. October 30, 6:30 pm

Jewish Community Center – Zale Auditorium 7900 Northaven Road Dallas, TX 75230

Open House: 6:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Presentation/Q & A: 7:00 p.m. -7:45 p.m. Open House: 7:45 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

October Trail Update

Hello Friends, We have several exciting updates to share on Northaven Trail.

Pending procurement and delivery of trees and plant materials, the landscaping additions along Lavendale Avenue at St. Michaels should be installed around the week of October 29th. There will also be a lot of construction activity along Lavendale, so please avoid parking along the curb.

On-site engraving of decorative pavers should begin the week of the 29th also. If you, your family or business is interested in purchasing a paver, please visit our donation page.

The trail head at Freda Stern is progressing nicely and if you have walked, biked or run by recently, you may have noticed around 60 tons of beautiful lueders limestone blocks that were delivered.

At Hillcrest, the signal light has been switched on so please use the signal button and wait for the light when you cross the intersection. The signal is coordinated with the Royal Lane signal so please be patient.

Also, la terra and the City Park and Recreation Department have identified a few more small areas for landscaping and are planning to provision irrigation to those sites for future Friends' efforts.

And finally, don't forget the public workshop to discuss the Northaven Trail to White Rock Creek Trail/Low 5 Multimodal Connection on Tuesday, October 30, 6:30-8:30 pm at the JCC on Northaven.

October 30, 6:30 pm

Jewish Community Center – Zale Auditorium 7900 Northaven Road Dallas, TX 75230

Open House: 6:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Presentation/Q & A: 7:00 p.m. -7:45 p.m. Open House: 7:45 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Public Workshop for Northaven/White Rock Trail/Low 5 Connection

The public workshop for the Northaven Trail to White Rock Creek Trail/Low 5 Multimodal Connection will be on Tuesday, October 30, 6:30-8:30 pm at the JCC on Northaven.   

October 30, 6:30 pm

Jewish Community Center – Zale Auditorium
7900 Northaven Road Dallas, TX  75230

Open House: 6:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Presentation/Q & A: 7:00 p.m. -7:45 p.m. Open House: 7:45 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Northaven Trail Updates - Lavendale landscape plan, Freda Stern parking, signal light at Hillcrest

For those of you who were unable to attend the neighborhood meeting on Thursday, September 20, Kris Brown of la terra studio and Rich Govlik of Pegasus / URS (Dallas Bond Program Managers) presented a landscaping plan (download Lavendale Landscape Plan) to 20 or-so neighbors who live adjacent to The Northaven Trail along Lavendale Avenue and Azalea Lane.  Also attending was Linda Koop, District 11 Dallas City Council member, who is a strong advocate for the continued expansion of the Northaven Trai and Lee Kleinman, District 11 Park Board Member.  The meeting was called to present Phase 1 landscape improvements which began with the removal of a number of aging trees, some dead, and some in decline, along Lavendale Avenue between St. Michaels and Pebbledown on the north side of the Trail. The plan presented incorporates the use of raised berms, natural limestone quarry blocks, drip irrigation, and new tree groupings planted along this stretch of the trail. Among the tree species to be planted are Natchez Crape Myrtle, Chitalpa, Nellie R. Stevens holly, Little Gem Magnolia & Eve’s Necklace.  The newly planted trees will surpass (in caliper inches) the quantity of the removed trees.

Other current trail happenings include work at Freda Stern Drive to install an official Trailhead. The City is creating a trailhead that will allow for approximately 17 parking spaces and other amenities that include: a drinking fountain, trash receptacle, pet waste station, drip irrigation, and donor recognition space.  In addition, the Freda Stern Trailhead will serve as the regions FIRST installation of bike friendly reverse angle echelon parking.  This type of parking is designed such that vehicles are required to back into the spaces upon approach.  In addition to increased driver line-of-site (of cyclists), this type of parking facilitates loading / unloading from the rear of the vehicle.

The City of Dallas Street Services Department has informed us that the signal light at the Hillcrest crossing will be turned on by October 5th.  This is no doubt welcome news to many!  

Decorative/Commemorative Pavers - Now Available!

The decorative pavers are now available for purchase!  Purchasing a paver is great way to show your support for the trail and to help supplement available funding from the City of Dallas and Dallas County to expand the Trail from Preston Road to Midway Road, which is tentatively planned in the next two years.

If you haven't seen them yet, along the trail there are several sections reserved for stone paver blocks that can be engraved for donor recognition. Basic images may be engraved on these pavers including logos (see example at right).  These blocks will have three sizes and we offer individual lines of text on a paver:

24"x24" paver - $2,500

12"x24" paver - $1,000

12"x12" paver - $500

Line of Text on paver - $100 per line, up to six lines of text. Note: your name may be on a paver with other donors.

Ribbon Cutting

Many thanks go out to all involved in the ribbon cutting event held at the respite area on the trail on Saturday, April 14.  Officials from the City of Dallas including Mayor Mike Rawlings, City Council members Linda Koop and Ann Margolin, Dallas County Commissioner Maurine Dickey, and Dallas Park and Recreation Board President Joan Waine and District 11 Representative Lee Kleinman addressed the crowd and shared the history and future plans for the trail.  Local businesses including Run On, Sun and Ski Sports, Starbucks, Park Cities Yoga and Pizza by Marco also participated in the event to show their support for the trail. Neighbors also got to talk with Texas A & M University researcher Janet Reed, who was on hand to discuss her study of the parakeets that live along the trail near the Oncor substation at Central Expressway. For some great photos of the event - including some bonus pictures of bronze plaque casting, check out Kris Brown's Flickr set.  Kris (of trail designers la terra studio) also brought seed balls containing native wildflower seed mixes to the ribbon cutting.  The seed balls are designed to be thrown out along the trail to help re-seed native prairie flowers and grasses to the trail area.   The seed balls will be available at Movie Night on May 11 (see previous post).

 

[slideshow]