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!
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.
FoNHT has decided to postpone our planned beautification project until sometime in April. Stay tuned for additional updates!
March 2, 2013
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Beautification project at Freda Stern
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 a $25 donation, we have a limited quantity of Northaven Trail hats available as our holiday thank you gift to you.
Show your support and grab a hat for yourself or for a holiday gift!
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.
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.
Hope to see you out on the trail for "Movie Night"! We'll get started around 7:30 pm, Friday, October 5 at the St. Michael's Respite. Bring a blanket and enjoy the cool weather!
Please email events@northaventrail.org with questions.
October 30, 6:30 pm
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.
Funding for the extension of Northaven Trail west is in the 2012 Dallas Bond Program. The extension east to White Rock Creek Trail is already funded by Dallas County. http://www.voteyesdallas.com/bond-by-category-prop1-trails.html
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!
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.
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]
Movies on the TrailMay 11, 8:00 pm Respite area at St. Michael's and Lavendale
Please join the Friends of Northaven Trail as we host the first "Movies on the Trail" event on Friday, May 11 at the respite area near St. Michael's and Lavendale. Grab a blanket or a chair, bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a great evening watching a family-friendly movie on the trail. Picnics start around 6:00 pm and we plan to start the movie around 8:00 PM. Any questions, please email events@northaventrail.org. More details to come as we finalize plans.
Neighbors of the trail, citizens, and friends are all invited to attend the public ribbon cutting ceremony this coming Saturday, April 14 at 9:00 am. The ceremony will be held at the respite area on the trail near St. Michaels Drive and Lavendale Avenue. Expected to attend are Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Dallas City Council members Linda Koop and Ann Margolin, Dallas County Commissioner Maurine Dickey, representatives from Dallas Park and Recreation Department, trail designers la terra studio, and trail general contractor Roeschco.
Several area merchants and businesses will also be present including Run On, Sun and Ski Sports, Starbucks and others. Park Cities Yoga will offer a free yoga demonstration and class at 10:00 am (bring your mats!); and Texas A & M University researcher Janet Reed will also be on hand to discuss her study of the birds that live along the trail near the JCC.
Come out and meet your neighbors, elected city officials and the trail designers and contractors who have all helped to make Northaven Trail a reality!
On Saturday, March 31st, Friends of Northaven Trail will meet at 9:00 AM at Dealey Park (behind Dealey Montessori on Royal Lane) as part of Dallas Park and Recreation Department's "It's My Park Day" event. We plan to work on cleaning out brush under several large trees along the trail. Everyone is invited and welcome to help. Please bring gloves and yard tools if you have them - no power tools please. Park and Rec Department will arrange for the haul off of brush that we clear. "It's My Park Day" Northaven Trail Clean-up Saturday, March 31, 2012 9:00 am - 11:00 am Dealey Park
For more information or questions, please email marcom@northaventrail.org .
Tonight, March 6 at 6:30 pm, there is a town hall meeting for City of Dallas Districts 11 and 13. Dallas City Council members Linda Koop and Ann Margolin will be on hand to discuss the proposed bond referendum (Fiscal Year 2012).
The City of Dallas' 2006 bond program is what helped make Northaven Trail a reality. If you cannot attend the meeting tonight, please click here to fill out the online survey and make your voice heard.
A belated Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully by now most of you have seen the amazing construction progress on the trail and you may have already enjoyed the trail on a walk, run or bike ride. Construction on the street crossings, trail heads and respite areas is still underway but the main sections of the trail between the cross streets are complete. As you drive through the neighborhood on the streets that cross the trail, please be aware of the many walkers and bikers, including small children, who use the trail already. Also, please pick up after your dogs.
Several of you have emailed asking about how to get involved with the Friends group, donate benches, plantings or help provide other amenities to the trail. The Friends group is currently in the process of getting an official list of amenities from Dallas Park and Recreation Department and La Terra Design. We'll publish the list on the website and provide information on how to purchase or mark a donation for a specific amenity. We are also organizing an event on March 31 in conjunction with the City of Dallas' "It's My Park Day" event. More details will follow but mark your calendars now.
Many thanks go out to the City of Dallas, Roeschco Construction, and la terra studio for all their hard work on the trail to date. Information on the official trail opening/dedication is coming soon.