Dallas Architecture Forum Presents Panel About Dallas Trails and Bicycle Initiatives

All photos: Dallas Park & Recreation Department

It’s not widely known by the residents, but the city of Dallas offers one of the best hike and bike trail systems in the United States. From White Rock Lake to Katy Trail, people have a plethora of outdoor options available to them.

Moderator Willis Winters

Join the Dallas Architecture Forum for a panel discussion next Monday, Dallas Trails and Bicycle Initiatives: Past, Present, Future.

The results of a citizen survey, conducted in 2002 as part of the Department’s Renaissance Plan, found trail development to be one of the highest priorities for Dallas residents. In response, in 2005 the Park and Recreation Department created the Trail Network Master Plan, a plan that outlined a 287-mile trail network throughout the city of Dallas.

In the 11 years since the plan was adopted, the city has added 90 miles of trails and now has 153 miles in its network thanks to the help of city, county, and private supporters. What is the vision for the future of Dallas trails and how will it impact life and living in this city?

The event on Nov. 21 opens the 2016-2017 Dallas Architecture Forum Panel Discussion Series, moderated by Willis Winters, Director of Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Panels are offered at no charge to both DAF members and to the general public as a public outreach of the Forum.

Moderator Willis Winters has been Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department since 2013, leading one of the nation’s largest municipal park systems. Dallas’ 23,242 acres of park land include 388 parks, 13 lakes, 41 recreation centers, 145 miles of hike and bike trails, Fair Park, the Dallas Zoo, the Trinity Audubon Center, and the Dallas Arboretum. He has oversight of 937 full-time employees and manages an $85.3 million annual operating budget, with a capital budget in excess of $40 million annually.

Willis’ panel will include the following people:

• Commissioner Theresa Daniel, who represents Dallas County District 1, one of the most diverse, vibrant, and culturally rich parts of several cities in Dallas County.
• Philip Henderson, a prolific architect who has practiced architecture and urban planning in Dallas for many years.
• Elissa Hoagland Izmailyan, the Managing Principal of HR&A Advisors’ Texas office, leading community and economic development advisory projects throughout the southwest U.S.

Dallas Trails and Bicycle Initiatives: Past, Present, Future will be on Monday, Nov. 21, with an informal reception at 6:15 p.m. and the event at 6:30 p.m. at Dallas Black Dance Theatre, 2700 Ann Williams Way.

For more information on the Dallas Architecture Forum, visit DallasArchitectureForum.org.