Dirt is Moving on Phase 2 of The Loop Dallas’ Trinity Forest Spine Trail

A nine-mile corridor that seamlessly connects two of Dallas’ most cherished natural spaces — the Great Trinity Forest and White Rock Lake — is more than just a trail, officials with The Loop Dallas say. This section of the citywide project is a beacon of hope. 

The Trinity Forest Spine Trail south of Interstate 30 is set to transform Pleasant Grove, connect communities, and provide more equitable access to green space in Dallas, The Loop Dallas officials said in a release. The Loop is a 50-mile citywide urban trail — looping 39 miles of existing trails with 11 miles of newly built connecting trails for a loop around the city.

Construction began on the five-phase project in 2021, and the first phase north of I-30 is complete. The second phase currently underway will create a safe and resilient parkland corridor for Pleasant Grove residents on both sides of US-175. 

Jeff Ellerman, chairman of The Loop Dallas, said one of the most exciting features of this portion of the Trinity Forest Spine Trail is its one-mile elevated trail along US-175, ensuring that underserved neighbors in southern Dallas gain access to safe and continuous trail experiences. 

“This elevated pathway coupled with the newly constructed Lake June Road bridge, provides bike lanes and wide sidewalks, heightens connectivity within the community, and is transformational in how we are connecting Dallas to Dallas.”

Transformative Change For Pleasant Grove

The Loop Dallas officials say, due in part to this trail project, Pleasant Grove is on the brink of transformative change. The Trinity Forest Spine Trail is a partnership between The Loop and Dallas Park and Recreation Department, marking a “significant milestone in addressing the longstanding need for enhanced parkland in the area,” the press release states. 

In 2015, the Trust for Public Land recognized Pleasant Grove as one of 12 high-need zones for parkland. Dallas County got on board, pledging $10 million toward the project. The City of Dallas is covering design and construction. The Loop Dallas also has secured grants; just one phase of the trail system was projected to cost $36 million. 

“The main purpose of The Loop Dallas is to provide multimodal transportation options to the residents of greater Dallas throughout the whole area,” said Dallas County Commissioner Theresa Daniel. “In 2014, I recognized the importance of this project and how it could introduce so many more residents to the trail system. As part of The Loop, the Trinity Forest Spine Trail … will provide southeast Dallas residents unprecedented trail access.” 

Connecting Communities

The Trinity Forest Spine Trail, along with the revamped Lake June Road bridge, integrates the existing trail network including the AT&T Trail and Trinity Forest Trail, linking Pleasant Grove to key destinations like the Lake June Dallas Area Rapid Transit Station and eventually White Rock Lake.

District 5 Dallas City Councilman Jaime Resendez, who grew up in Pleasant Grove and is an avid bike rider, said he’s thrilled to see the progress. 

“We have beautiful parks and trails in southern Dallas, and The Loop Dallas is doing an incredible job connecting them,” he said. “The Trinity Forest Spine Trail south phase is a transformative project that will not only provide a safe pathway for walking and biking between neighborhoods but also improve mental and physical health and enhance overall infrastructure. Since the plan’s inception, I have been grateful for the collaboration of all partners involved in making this project a reality.”