NEW SPEED RADAR SIGNS

Bicycle speed is a major safety concern on the Trail. 
Cyclists need to exercise restraint when using the trail, monitor their speeds and practice safe biking. 

New radar signs are being installed on the trail in two

 locations: near the Fairmount bridge and south of Blackburn.

Their purpose is to remind cyclist to keep their speeds down, be safe and share the trail with pedestrian foot traffic.

Please help us keep the trail safe for everyone to use!

We run on your donations. Show your love for the Katy Trail 

during the 2012 Annual Support Campaign. 

Donate today!

Click here to donate: http://goo.gl/h56NH

And the winner of the coveted 'The Greatest Taco' trophy, for participating restaurants in the Great Taco run, is: E Bar Tex mex. Congratulations!

Their Carnitas with chipotle crema & queso fresco was picked by participants and critics as the best! www.ebartexmex.com

Madi Gras 2012

Madi Gras 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art invites you to the Madi Gras 2012 - Saturday, February 25, 2 - 5 pm. A celebration of everything MADI including chefs creating MADI inspired appetitizers & desserts, artist led activities including MADI masks and hats for all ages and MADI Museum tours. Entertainment will be provided by Inner City All Stars and Exhibit Dance Collective you will share their rich New Orleans heritage and culture. 10 percent off membership at MADI Gras 2012.

New Sign at Snyder's Union

If you have been on the trail over the last 24 hours, you may know that we have a new directional sign at Snyder’s Union. Concrete is going to be poured next week to complete the design of the sign. Presently, there is an error on the signage. The sign company switched the directions, showing Knox and SMU on the south end of the trail and American Airlines Center and Thomsen Overlook on the north end. We are aware of the problem and wanted to inform you that it will be changed next week. The sign will be a nice addition once it is complete.

Membership Social on August 4th at Komali's

Please join us at our exclusive members-only happy hour on Thursday, August 4th from 5:30 to 7:30 at acclaimed chef Abraham Salum’s new restaurant, Komali, located at 4152 Cole Avenue, suite 106.

Patrons will enjoy samples of his award winning menu, which will include: cheese and poblano quesadillas, refried bean and chorizo sopes, chicken flautas with salsa verde, albondigas with pasilla sauce, tortas de milanesa, and cream of poblano and corn shooters.

A complimentary glass of wine, beer, or margarita will also be included.
Be sure to RSVP to Ashleigh@KatyTrailDallas.org if you plan to attend because space is always limited.

Not a Friend? Go to www.KatyTrailDallas.org to join. Membership starts at $50 a year! This isn't the first social and it certainly won't be the last! Don't miss out!!

Beat the Heat

Hot, sticky, slow—and that's how you feel before you head out. Your run can feel twice as hard since your body tires faster in high heat. But that doesn't mean you have to swim all summer. Here's how to last longer when the mercury rises.

SET YOUR ALARM Sunrise is the coolest time of day, although it can also be the most humid. It will still be hot at sunset because the ground radiates accumulated heat.

GO TECH-Y Technical fabrics wick away sweat. Keep sun out of your eyes with a visor, not a hat, which traps heat.

DRINK UP Drink eight ounces of liquids before you head out and two to four sips of water every 15 minutes.

SLOW DOWN Every five-degree rise in temperature above 60° F can slow your pace up to 20 to 30 seconds per mile.

RUN IN WATER Substitute one weekly run with a pool-running session of the same duration. Use a flotation device and move your legs as if you were running on land.

COOL OFF On very hot days, run for eight to 15 minutes, then hose yourself off or jump in a pool for three to five minutes. Repeat as necessary.

Tips from Runner's Words Jeff Galloway

Don't Be Cruel, Keep Your Dog Cool

Don't be Cruel, Keep Your Pet Cool
Please keep an eye out for your pet. The weather is already near 100 degrees and during these hot and humid months pets can suffer from a condition known as hyperthermia or heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when your pet absorbs an excessive amount of heat that they cannot properly dissipate. The symptoms you need to be aware of are:
• Vigorous panting
• Dark red gums
• Collapse/laying down and unwilling to get up
• Disorientation
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• A rectal temperature of 104 degrees or higher
• If you notice any of these symptoms please call your veterinarian immediately.
There are many ways to keep your pet safe and to prevent heat strokes. Here are a few things to remember:
• Puppies can't regulate body temperature as well as adult dogs. Your puppy can get overheated when exercising on a hot day so bring along plenty of water.
• Don't exercise your dog during the hottest parts of the summer.
• Watch for signs of heat stroke: excessive panting; noisy breathing;bright red gums and tongue; weakness and collapse
• If it is too hot for you to walk on the sidewalk concrete barefoot then it is too hot to walk your dog. The pads of their paws will burn.
• Walk your dog only early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has set. Bring along water and make frequent water stops. Don't take long walks in the heat of the summer.
• Dogs cool themselves by panting and if the panting does not reduce the heat then the dog can have a heat stroke.
• Dogs get sunburned, especially dogs with short hair.
• Overweight and older dogs have more trouble in the hot days of summer
• Snub nose dogs have poor panting mechanisms and are more susceptible to being overcome by the heat.
• Panting does not cool your dog well when outside temperature and and body temperature are close to 103 degrees.
• Walk, don't run: In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by cycling while they try to keep up or by running them while you jog. Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point it may be too late to save them. They can quickly become severely overheated, and an "exercise" session can turn into a medical emergency.

New Board Members

At December's Board of Directors meeting, The Friends of the Katy Trail board and staff paid tribute to our four outgoing board members for their many years of service. While Cissy Carr, Howard Sutton, Craig Reynolds, and Keith Nix were all honored with gifts officially thanking them for their service, we could never put into words our gratitude for the dedication and time these individuals committed to this organization.

While we say thank you to our friends who are leaving the board, we also welcome five new members to the Board of Directors. Please welcome: Robert Bartzokas, Mary Beecherl, Paula Blackmon, Chuck Dannis and Charles Gale.

Also, the David Stocks Award was given to David Demarest. The award is given annually to one board member in recognition of outstanding work for the Katy Trail.

It's the Season to Give

The holidays are coming fast, as is the end of the year. It’s a great time to get into the spirit of the season and make a year-end donation to the Friends of the Katy Trail.

You love the Katy Trail. Whether you were out there this morning, or will be today after work or this weekend, you look forward to getting on the Trail. But the Trail you love needs your help too.

It's a common misconception that your tax dollars are what make the Katy Trail your urban oasis. While the City of Dallas owns the Trail, it’s up to the people who use and enjoy it to sustain it through their donations The truth is the things that you and so many other Trail users love, are possible, not because of public tax dollars, but thanks to private donations to the Friends of the Katy Trail.

• Do you use the Trail when the lights are on?
• Do you stop to get water at the drinking fountains?
• Do you enjoy seeing the landscaping?
• Do you feel safer knowing the police are patroling the Katy Trail?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you benefit from what the Friends of the Katy Trail pays for. All those things, and much more, are possible thanks to donations made to the Friends of the Katy Trail.

Your donation is an investment in your city, the environment, and the health of the community. Friends of the Katy Trail makes sure the Trail is clean, safe and beautiful for you and and all Trail users. Please make your gift today.

Please give a year-end gift now by going here. And remember, donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions, please contact Ashleigh Falk at Ashleigh@KatyTrailDallas.org.

Thank you for your continued support of the Katy Trail. We hope to see you on the Trail.
Sincerely,
Friends of the Katy Trail

December e-news

Give A Katy Trail Christmas Gift

You face the dilemma every year: what to give to that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list. Problem solved! Give them something they can use every day of the year – a membership to the Friends of the Katy Trail. Your gift membership will help keep the Katy Trail a great place to run, walk or ride a bike.
Take advantage of the special membership offer. Receive a Friends of the Katy Trail T-shirt with each membership of $50 or more. Normally, T-shirts are only given at the $250 level.

As a bonus, gift memberships come with a 15 percent discount at all Luke’s Locker locations until Dec. 31, 2010 (the offer excludes sale items, Garmin products, watches, sunglasses, strollers and heart rate monitors and no other discounts apply).
Along with their T-shirts, gift recipients will receive a letter informing them of the great membership you gave them.

Click here to give your gift membership. And while you’re at it, be sure to join yourself (or renew your membership). If you have any questions, please email Santa's little helper Ashleigh Falk at ashleigh@katytraildallas.org.

First Ever Annual Support Campaign Raises More than 90,000

The first Annual Support Campaign came to a close at the end of November.Heartfelt thank-you's go out to all of our donors and volunteers, we would not have been successful with out your time and efforts. More than $90,000 was raised for the ongoing maintenance and management of the Katy Trail. After all, the Katy Trail relies on private donations for 90 percent of the annual cost to maintain it.

Their generosity will help keep the Katy Trail a clean, safe and beautiful place to walk, run, bike or just sit. A special thank you to our major donors: Jeff Jackson and Sally Warren, Balfour Beatty, David Demarest, Patty and Andy Smith, Jonie Rose, Sarofim Realty Advisors, Tony Dona, Vantage Realty Holdings, and Deedie and Rusty Rose.

This was the first year for the Annual Support Campaign, which was established to provide additional stability to the operating budget. As its title says, it will be back next year in September. (We’re already looking for volunteers, so if you’re interested in helping contact Robin Baldock at Robin@KatyTrailDallas.org. )

Safety Tips

Here’s a reminder about the ways to make your visit to the Katy Trail safe and enjoyable this holiday season:
• Keep to the right.
• Announce “passing on left.”
• Always look both ways before moving across the Trail.
• Watch your speed and remain in control at all times. When cycling, keep a 3-feet distance between pedestrians.
• Use headphones responsibly by keeping the volume down and only using one ear piece. After all, our ears can help keep us safe.
• Watch children carefully and keep them close.
• Keep pets on a short leash and clean up after them.
• Use the soft surface designated for pedestrians when running or walking.
• Go single file down the Trail when with a group.
• Stop to look for traffic before crossing at Knox and Harvard streets.

It’s the Season to Give

The holidays are coming fast, as is the end of the year. It’s a great time to get into the spirit of the season and make a year-end donation to the Friends of the Katy Trail. After all, the Katy Trail is connecting the people and places of Dallas. While the City of Dallas owns the Trail, it’s up to the people who use and enjoy it to sustain it through their donations.
Please give a year-end gift now by going here. And remember, donations are tax deductible.

Curious About the Lights?

The lights turn on every morning at 5 a.m. and turn off on sunrise. In the evening they come on at 5 p.m. and turn off at 10 p.m.
The lights are controlled by 9 timers located throughout the trail. These timers are quite sensitive, so it is possible that certain sections may turn on or off by a couple of minutes before or after their adjacent section does. Every effort has been made to keep the lights in sync as much as possible.

There are 162 lights on the Katy Trail. The electricity is paid for by membership contributions to the Friends of the Katy Trail. If you are not a member, but enjoy using the Katy Trail in the early morning or after dark, please consider doing your part to help pay for the lights by becoming a member of the Friends of the Katy Trail. If you notice a light is out, please email Ashleigh@Katytraildallas.org and she'll inform our Trail Manager, Bill Williams.

Katy’s List (of likes, wants and just because)

- The members of the Friends of the Katy Trail who make so much possible
- A January member's event to kick off 2011 -- look for details soon
- Cold, rain or wind our Trail Manager, Bill Williams, weathers the storm for our members
- Happy holidays and the best for the New Year!

Need an Internship?

Students and recent grads: are you looking for an internship for next semester? Do you want to gain extremely valuable non-profit, events, fundraising, corporate relations, and PR experience? If you or someone you know is interested in interning at the Katy Trail, please have them send their resume to Ashleigh Falk at ashleigh@katytraildallas.org.

Follow Us and Get the Latest News
We want you to be a friend of The Katy Trail on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Friends-of-the-Katy-Trail/460263880013. Get all the latest news on our blog!! http://www.katytraildallas.blogspot.com/

Have a question about anything Katy Trail related? Get an answer by asking KT. Click here to Ask KT.

Happy Holidays from the Friends of the Katy Trail! And Happy Trails to You in 2010!

Let’s celebrate: Phase 1 of Master Plan complete

City officials and the Friends of the Katy Trail gathered at Snyder’s Union on Nov. 17, 2010, to mark the completion of Phase 1 of the Katy Trail Master Plan, as well as recognize the donors who made possible the five entrances completed in the past year.
Mayor Tom Leppert spoke, calling the Katy Trail a jewel in the city’s crown. City Council Member Angela Hunt commented on the great work that the Friends of the Katy Trail does to manage and maintain the Trail.
Philip Henderson, chair of the Friends board of directors, thanked the donors who gave the lead gifts for the five new entrances:
• Bobbi and Dick Snyder for Snyder’s Union, which overlooks Lee Park. It was built to commemorate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.
• Barron Kidd for Dedo’s Place, the northern most entrance at McKinney Avenue, in honor of his wife Dedo Kidd, a long-time member of the Friends of the Katy Trail board of directors.
• The Cityplace TIF for the West Village Entrance at Blackburn.
• Jim and Sarah Hutcheson and son Nathan for the Tao of Warren, the entrance at Armstrong Boulevard, which honors their son and brother Warren.
• The Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation for the Theodore and Beulah Beasley Entrance, which rises from Hall Street to the Katy Trail.
Also recognized was Inland American, which underwrote the event and was instrumental in completing the approach to Snyder’s Union from Carlisle Place.

West Village Dog Trot and Treat

Stop by the West Village Dog Trot & Treat benefiting The Katy Trail on Sunday, October 31st from 2-5 p.m., an event geared for our furry friends and the people they own! Pooches and their people will parade around West Village picking up treats at various boutiques along the way. When the bags are full, guests are invited to enjoy live music, sips from Cork Wines, and nibbles for everyone. Canines will also be entered into a costume contest, where the winner will take away a doggie bag full of goodies. Vendors will be on hand offering everything from pet portraits to samples of all natural baked food for dogs. Registration is now open at www.KatyTrailDallas.org. ENTRY FEE: $15 Per Pet, People Free (Registration will be $20 Per Pet on the day of the event) For more info visit www.westvil.com or www.KatyTrailDallas.org.

Accident on the Katy Trail

The Friends of the Katy Trail extends its condolences to the family of Lauren Huddleston, who died as the result of an accident on the Katy Trail.

Here are a few guidelines to follow to make the Katy Trail a safe and enjoyable place:

Keep to the right.
Announce “passing on left” when passing someone in front of you.
Always look both ways before moving across the Trail.
Maintain a safe speed and remain in control at all times.
Watch children carefully.
If using headphones, keep the volume low so you can hear those behind you.
Keep pets on a short leash.
Stop and look for traffic before crossing at Knox and Harvard streets

Accident on the Katy Trail

Accident on the Katy Trail

The Friends of the Katy Trail is saddened to hear about the tragic accident on the Katy Trail Thursday night (Sept. 30) involving a jogger and a bicyclist. It was an unfortunate reminder that those on the Trail must be alert to other users for everyone’s well being.

Here are a few guidelines to follow to make the Katy Trail a safe and enjoyable place:

Keep to the right.
Announce “passing on left” when passing someone in front of you.
Always look both ways before moving across the Trail.
Maintain a safe speed and remain in control at all times.
Watch children carefully.
If using headphones, turn the volume down so that you can hear those behind you. Keep pets on a short leash.
Stop and look for traffic before crossing at Knox and Harvard streets

Support Our Annual Campaign

YOU EXERCISE, BUT DO YOU EXERCISE YOUR SUPPORT?

If you’re reading this, chances are that you love the Katy Trail. But do you support it with your checkbook? The Katy Trail relies on private donations for 90 percent of the cost to maintain it each year. Just think if those donations didn’t come in. There would be no drinking fountains and no lights. Weeds would grow over the Trail and tree branches wouldn’t get trimmed.

Help keep the Katy Trail a place that you love to spend time. Exercise your support during the Annual Support Campaign Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. Donate now!

DO YOU ENJOY THE TREASURE THAT IS THE KATY TRAIL? THEN HELP FUNDRAISE!

Also, you can help right now online! Register to receive a personalized fundraising page! By signing up for your own personal giving page, your effort can help us reach a bigger audience and ensure the Katy Trail remains the gem that it is today.

Knox Street intersection changes aim to improve safety

Safety all along the Katy Trail is a concern of the Friends of the Katy Trail. That’s why our non-profit organization continues to work with the City of Dallas to improve safety where the Trail intersects streets.

Katy Trail users have probably noticed some changes at Knox Street. The City of Dallas has installed yield signs in the middle of that intersection to remind drivers to exercise caution there. Also, the adjacent traffic lanes have been re-striped to promote safe driving.

Although the motorists on Knox Street have the yield sign, Trail users should remember that they have a stop sign on the Trail. Everyone traveling through that intersection – whether they are on foot, bike, skates or in a car – should take extra caution when crossing. Don’t worry about who has the right of way. Show concern for your safety and the safety of others. Slow down, be aware and then proceed. It’s the common sense approach.

Monitoring safety at the Katy Trail-Knox Street intersection is an ongoing process. Other changes may be made in the future to that intersection and the Knox Street corridor to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety.

Katy Trail – Phase III Construction Begins

If you’ve driven down McCommas Boulevard lately, you’ve seen the construction going on. This is the newest link constructed by the City of Dallas that will eventually connect the Katy Trail with the White Rock Lake trails. A dedicated lane is being constructed for users to continue north by crossing North Central Expressway via the McCommas Boulevard overpass.

Eventually, a suspension bridge will be built over Mockingbird Lane, making for easier access to the Katy Trail and providing longer distances for cyclists’ routes.

Spring is near

That means that crews will be on the Katy Trail fertilizing to help promote healthy growth on the trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers. The Katy Trail uses organic fertilization methods, which employ ingredients that are a bit fragrant (to put it politely). So if you smell something a little odd on the Trail during the next week or so, just know that it's nature at work getting ready for spring blooms and leaves.

New entrances open on Katy Trail

Two new entrances to the Katy Trail are now open. The recently completed Beasley Entrance at Hall Street is a sweeping staircase that allows walkers and runners convenient access to the Trail, instead of the scrambling up a hill as before. The lushly landscaped entrance is a gift from the Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation.



The Tao of Warren is on the west side of the Trail at Armstrong Boulevard and was dedicated on Jan. 1. It is a dual staircase flanking a round seating wall and plaza. Sarah and Jim Hutcheson with their son Nathan made the naming gift in the memory of their son Warren, who was killed at 19 in a car accident.



During 2009, Friends of the Katy Trail initiated construction on five new entrances called for in the Friends of the Katy Trail Master Plan. These projects cost a total of $2.1 million in private funds that the Friends raised.

New entrances open on Katy Trail

Two new entrances to the Katy Trail are now open. The recently completed Beasley Entrance at Hall Street is a sweeping staircase that allows walkers and runners convenient access to the Trail, instead of the scrambling up a hill as before. The lushly landscaped entrance is a gift from the Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation.


The Tao of Warren is on the west side of the Trail at Armstrong Boulevard and was dedicated on Jan. 1. It is a dual staircase flanking a round seating wall and plaza. Sarah and Jim Hutcheson with their son Nathan made the naming gift in the memory of their son Warren, who was killed at 19 in a car accident.


During 2009, Friends of the Katy Trail initiated construction on five new entrances called for in the Friends of the Katy Trail Master Plan. These projects cost a total of $2.1 million in private funds that the Friends raised.

Friends of Katy Trail elects officers, new board members

Friends of the Katy Trail board of directors recently elected its 2010 officers and six new board members.

The officers:
Chairman – Philip Henderson
President – Matt Lucas
Vice President – Beth Huddleston
Treasurer – David Demarest
Secretary – Pat Snoots

The new board members are Jayson Bales, Charles Chen, Sherri Conger, Greg Rohan, Joni Rose and Tommy Tucker.

Also, the David Stocks Award was given to Keith Nix. The award is given annually to one board member in recognition of outstanding work for the Katy Trail.

The lights are back!

Thanks to the generosity of several people and three civic-minded businesses, the 12 Katy Trail lights that were damaged by thieves are operating again. And at no cost to Friends of the Katy Trail or the City of Dallas! Let's shine a light on the people who made this possible.

Balfour Beatty is the contractor currently building Snyder's Union on the Trail. Ty Walton, project manager, offered the help of his electrical subcontractor, Prism Electric, when he heard about the damaged light poles.

Kyle Eastep, an electrician with Prism, quickly got involved assessing the damage. He alerted Blake Combs, the owner of Prism and a frequent user of the Trail, who agreed that Prism would donate its time to get the lights back in working order.

The folks at Prism contacted Graybar Electric, which donated the supplies needed, including a lot of expensive copper wire.

Kyle and a crew of eight electricians then went to work and got the lights back operating again in record time. They also installed stronger tamper-resistant plates on the light poles to deter thieves in search of the copper electrical wire.

Thanks to all of them for their generosity of time, expertise, materials and spirit!

Some Trail light poles damaged

In an attempt to take copper wire, thieves have damaged nine of the light poles on the south end of the Katy Trail near Reverchon Park. The culprits pried open base plates on the poles to access the wire. The result is that these light poles are not operating. Be aware that some of the lights are not working on the south end of the Trail and avoid that area after dark.



Friends of the Katy Trail is working with the City of Dallas to get the lights repaired as soon as possible.

Trots and Treats Tomorrow!

The West Village Dog Trot & Treat benefitting The Katy Trail

Saturday, October 31st - 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

An event geared for our furry friends and the people they own. The West Village Dog Trot & Treat will benefit the Katy Trail.

This year, pooches and their people will parade around West Village picking up treats at various boutiques along the way! The fun's just starting when the Trot & Treat ends, we'll have a post-party featuring a canine costume contest, live music, sips, and nibbles for everyone.

Registration at:
http://www.katytraildallas.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fkt_dogtrot_registration

Troy Aikman to kick off membership drive

Dallas Cowboys legend and sportscaster Troy Aikman will make a special appearance on the Katy Trail from 6-7 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 22) to kick off the first-ever Friends of the Katy Trail membership drive. Join the fun at David's Way, the entry plaza at Knox Street.


In addition to special guest Aikman, there will be refreshments and music by Jayson Bales and the Charmers, who will be selling their new CD with half the proceeds going to Friends of the KatyTrail. Check out a free song download at www.KatyTrailDallas.org.



All weekend Friends of the Katy Trail volunteers will be on the Trail to register news members. All those who join this weekend will receive a cool Katy Trail T-shirt courtesy of Luke's Locker.


Also, Friends of the Katy Trail is having a drawing for exclusive prizes with tickets $20 each or six for $100. They are available from the volunteers during the membership drive or online at www.KatyTrailDallas.org. Prizes include four tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game in a private suite with one parking pass and two American Airlines round-trip tickets to anywhere in the Continental U.S. or Mexico.


Although it is a city park, the Katy Trail is improved and maintained with private funds. Anyone can support the Katy Trail anytime of the day at www.KatyTrailDallas.org or texting Katy to 95495. Memberships start at $50.

Troy Aikman to Kick Off Membership Drive

Dallas Cowboys legend and TV sportscaster Troy Aikman will make a special appearance on the Katy Trail Oct. 22 to kick off the first-ever Friends of the Katy Trail membership drive. A devoted Katy Trail user, Aikman will be on the Trail from 6 to 7 p.m. that day signing autographs and convincing people to join the Friends of the Katy Trail. He will be at David's Way, the entry plaza at Knox Street.


In addition to special guest Aikman, there will be refreshments and music by Jayson Bales and the Charmers. Friends of the Katy Trail board members and volunteers will be there to register new members and explain how contributions maintain and improve the Trail. The membership drive will continue through Sunday, Oct. 25 with volunteers recruiting new members on the Trail at David's Way, the Thomsen Overlook at Reverchon Park and at Snyder's Union, the new plaza being built between Lemmon Avenue and Carlisle Place.


So join now or renew if you're already a member!


Also, Friends of the Katy Trail is having a raffle with exclusive prizes during the membership drive. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100. They are available from the volunteers during the membership drive or online at www.KatyTrailDallas.org/raffle.


  Prizes include

    · Four tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game in a private suite with one parking pass

    · Two American Airlines round-trip tickets to anywhere in the Continental U.S. or Mexico

    · One-year family membership to the Dallas YMCA

    · Luke's Locker "runner's fanatic" package including a Garmin GPS personal training device and Asics shoes

    · Hockey stick signed by the Dallas Stars players

    · Tickets to a Texas Rangers game

    · Soils Alive organic fertilization

    · Highland Park Animal Hospital services


Friends of the Katy Trail membership contributions pay for the lights, water fountains, off-duty Dallas Police bike patrols and maintenance of the landscaping.

Anyone can support the Katy Trail anytime of the day at www.KatyTrailDallas.org. Memberships start at $50.

Volunteers needed

We need volunteers to help with the Oct. 22-25 membership drive. During the drive, volunteers will be on the Trail talking to folks about how their membership dollars will help improve and maintain the Katy Trail. If you're interested in helping, send an e-mail to Office@KatyTrailDallas.org or call 214-303-1180. The more the merrier!

Gardening with a little help from our friends

Maintaining the landscape along the Katy Trail is a big job. That's why we're very grateful for help from the Heart of Dallas chapter of the National Charity League, a non-profit group of mothers and their daughters serving communities together. Last month, 28 NCL mothers and daughters spent their Saturday on the Katy Trail weeding one-eighth mile of the Trail. That's a lot of dirt.


Their volunteer project started with a "identify the weed" session led by Jim Apken and Amanda Griffin, two members of the Landscape Advisory Committee, a blue-ribbon group of experts lending their expertise to maintaining the Trail's landscape. Helping to the keep the Katy Trail weed-free will be an ongoing project for the NCL volunteers.


"Heart of Dallas NCL is committed to helping the Katy Trail. This is an ongoing partnership," said NCL member Charisse Bradley.


Friends of the Katy Trail board chairman Philip Henderson welcomed the NCL group and told them how as "volunteer gardeners" they are providing a big service to the Katy Trail and the beauty of Dallas overall.


If you know of other groups that may be interested in helping with the gardening along the Katy Trail, let us know by sending an e-mail to Office@KatyTrailDallas.org.

Friends of the Katy Trail Membership Drive

Join, renew and volunteer Oct. 22-25

Friends of the Katy Trail is launching its first-ever membership drive Oct. 22-25. The objective is to tell Trail users how their support helps keep maintain and improve the Katy Trail, making it the resource they love.

What can you do? Join right now at www.KatyTrailDallas.org or sign up on the Trail during the membership drive. If you’re already a member, renew now.

Want to do more? We need volunteers to help educate Trail users about the benefits of joining Friends of the Katy Trial. Most users don’t realize that improvements and maintenance of the Katy Trail is paid for with private money.

Volunteers will work shifts over that weekend to explain how the lights, water fountains, off-duty police patrols and landscape maintenance are some of the things that just wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for Friends of the Katy Trail. Volunteers will be stationed at three spots on the Trail: David’s Way at Knox Street, Thomsen Overlook at Reverchon Park and Snyder’s Union, currently under construction between Lemmon Avenue and Carlisle Place.

If you want to volunteer, send an e-mail to Office@KatyTrailDallas.org or call 214-303-1180.

Dog Trot & Treat

More construction on Katy Trail

Construction has started on yet another new entrance to the Katy Trail. Work began this week on the sweeping staircase that will go from Hall Street to the Katy Trial above. This project is expected to be completed in December and will provide much more convenient access to the Katy Trail than the dirt path that was there.

While work is underway, the construction site is fenced off so please avoid it and get on the Katy Trail at other places.