Bathroom Update

When KT answered a question through the Ask KT feature on our homepage – and in the newsletter you’ll be getting in the mail any day now – the suggestion was that Trail users in the Knox area needing a restroom should go to the nearby 7-Eleven.

Since then, however, the property was sold, and the 7-Eleven that we all used is now gone. We just spoke with KT, and KT’s suggestion is now to use the Highland Park Pharmacy or the Starbucks. Just like the now gone 7-Eleven, please be a good patron and buy something on your way out.

Press Conference on Katy this Friday

Council member Angela Hunt is having a press conference Friday at 9:30 a.m. on the Katy Trail to promote and demonstrate the new 911 markers that have been installed on the Trail, and how Dallas emergency services has linked the markers with the City’s GPS. The press conference will take place where Harvard crosses the Trail.

All the Way to State!

Ok, so the Katy Trail didn't make it out of the "Sweet 16," but in D Magazine's Best Things in Dallas Tournament we made a completely respectable showing before being beaten by High School Football.

In the first round, we were up against the 6th Floor Museum (a very cool museum and Dallas landmark that everyone should visit). The round of 32 proved pretty challenging when we were up against West Village, but you made sure we came out on top. Unfortunately, we were up against High School Football in the Sweet 16 and, this being Texas, we understand why High School Football won.

After the Katy Trail executive director heard about our defeat and wallowed in sorrow, he said, "High School Football is going all the way!" Click here to help High School Football go all the way or to root for Snuffer's Cheddar Fries because we know you'll need to run on the Katy Trail after eating them.

911 Location Signs on the Trail

Remember the story about how the idea for Southwest Airlines started on a cocktail napkin? This is similar, but different. It's not a plan for an airline and it's not a cocktail napkin, but if you click here you can see a map of where the 911 location signs are on the Trail (they go all the way to Airline Road, thus the airline humor).

Dignitaries Confirm for Lighting Ceremony

The list of dignitaries attending Monday’s lighting ceremony at 8:15 p.m. on the Katy Trail is growing. So far, attendees include:

Mayor Tom Leppert
Commissioner John Wiley Price
Councilmember Pauline Medrano
Councilmember Angela Hunt
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle
Deputy Chief Vince Golbeck

The event will take place at the Victory Overlook near the south end of the Trail. Be there, be there, be there.

VIP Training on Saturday, June 21

While the lighting will make using the Trail safer after dark, you can do your part to increase safety by becoming a Katy Trail Voluteer in Patrol (VIP). The next VIP Training will be on Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Training will be at the City Hall Auditorium at 1500 Marilla St. Click here to download the VIP application and submit it to Sgt. Dennis Craig at dennis.craig@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us

• VIPs observe while using the Katy Trail. They carry mobile phones to dial 911 when there is an incident needing reporting.
• VIPs wear a cool vest featuring VIP, DPD and FKT logos while on the Trail.
• VIPs should walk in pairs, so grab a friend and sign up today.

For those of you who have already completed VIP Training, we have ordered your vests and will provide one to you as soon as the shipment arrives.

What Was Your Favorite Katy 5K Treat?

There was so much great food at the 5K and we want to know what you can't wait to have again next year. Click here to tell us what your favorite drinks, snacks and desserts were at the Michelob Ultra No. 10 Katy 5K.

How to Keep Cool and Stay Fit When It's So HOT

In case you hadn't noticed, it's hot on the Trail. Not just a little hot, but a lot hot. Fortunately, our Friends over at The Dallas Morning News did a great article on how to keep cool and stay fit as the temperature continues to flirt with triple digits. Click here to check it out.

Be a Star!

The Friends of the Katy Trail is seeking 30 extras for the upcoming production of a television public service announcement. The TV commercial "Happy Trail" will promote the trail and the friends organization.

We need you to show up and be in the PSA. We need bikers, joggers and rollerbladers as extras. We want the trail to be full of folks when we film.

We will be shooting on Wednesday, June 25 beginning at 8 a.m. We will have a tent set up on the north side of the Knox Plaza across the street from David's Way for check in and organization. For your participation we'll provide lunch and free t-shirt.

Please RSVP by emailing office@katytraildallas.org

Thanks!

Lighting Testing Begins

The contractor installing the lights on the Katy Trail informed us that testing of the system at the south end would begin today, uh, tonight. So if you’re on the Katy Trail around 9 p.m. in the area from Reverchon Park to the AAC, check out the lights and let us know if they’re working.

Lost at the Katy 5K?

It's ok. We understand that things happened in the midst of all the fantastic food, entertainment and Michelob Ultra that you were enjoying with your 4,500 closest friends.

We have some keys and few other odds and ends of value that we picked up at the post-race picnic, so if you lost something along those lines, just shoot us an email at office@KatyTrailDallas.org and we'll make sure you get them back.

Emergency 911 Signs Installed

Parks installed their 911 location signs on the Katy Trail at the end of last week. They look like this.

Should you ever be in trouble on the Katy Trail, just call 911 and tell them the number on the location marker that is nearest to you. All of the numbers are coded into the City’s emergency response GPS, so they should be able to find you.

Entry Plans Almost Done

Met with the architects from SWA Group last Thursday to review the (almost) complete designs for the public entries to the Katy Trail. These privately funded entries will be at the following streets – Fairmount, Routh, Cedar Springs, Hall, Lemmon, Cambrick, Fitzhugh (both sides), and Armstrong.

To date, we have funds toward Hall, Cambrick, one of the Fitzhughs, and Armstrong. If we’re lucky, and they’re all funded in the next few months, construction could start by the end of the year.

Tips for Your Dogs in Hot Weather

After our two week spring, it seems as if we’re into the summer heat. Because it is our belief that North Texas is closer to the sun than any other place in the United States, we need to be mindful of the stress and strain warm weather can put on our furry friends who love and use the Katy Trail as much as we do. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:

• The right time for a walk, run or playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.


• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on the running trail, which is probably hotter than the concrete trail. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.


• Heat exhaustion is often caused by over-exercising or running with a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time. Short muzzed and thick-coated breeds and mixes are particularly vulnerable, although any breed may be at risk. Always bring cool water along when walking, running or hiking with your dog during hot weather. To cool off an overheated dog, offer him or her plenty of water, then wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan.

Early Returns from the Katy 5K

Lots of good comments at last Thursday’s 5K, including one woman who loved the email earlier that morning regarding Friday’s Bike-to-Work Day.

It looks like there were more than 4,500 in attendance at the event, all of whom seemed to enjoy the food from 50 restaurants, not to mention the free Michelob Ultra courtesy of Ben E. Keith.

Click here to check your Michelob Ultra No. 10 Katy 5K time.

Mow Down Air Pollution

Check this out – the City of Dallas is giving you a chance to trade in your old gas-guzzling lawn mower for a more environmentally friendly electric mower at 50 percent off the normal price. So you can get a new, cordless, electric motor for less than $200 (plus tax).

No joke. Just call Nicole Cooper at the City and tell her you want to participate. Her number is 214-670-6646 or email her at nicole.cooper@dallascityhall.com to make a reservation and trade in your old mower for a new one.

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, engines from gas-powered lawn equipment pollutes more than car engines. One hour of lawn mowing produces as much pollution as driving a car for four hours. Click here to read a flyer from the City to learn details about the program. And trade in your lawn mower today.

Got a Question? Ask KT

In case you haven't ventured over to the Friends of the Katy Trail website lately (shame on you), we're proud to announce a new feature - Ask KT.

It's the opportunity to ask KT, the official expert on all things Katy Trail, any questions you may have about the Katy Trail. You can submit your question for KT to answer in a future newsletter or on our webpage. Go ahead, click below and ask KT your questions.

Katy 5K Online Registration Open Until Friday at Midnight

In case you haven't registered yet for the Michelob Ultra No. 10 Katy 5K, you can register at www.KatyTrailDallas.org until Friday at midnight. If you can't make that deadline, you can still register at Luke's Locker (3607 Oak Lawn Ave.) through May 14.

And if you need another reason to want to participate, we'll have 50+ restaurants at the official post-race party, Katy's Picnic, so register now at www.KatyTrailDallas.org

If you want to enjoy Katy's Picnic for free and get a free T-shirt, email Betsy@KatyTrailDallas.org to sign up to volunteer.

Event Alert - Lighting Ceremony Postponed

The Trail lighting ceremony that was originally scheduled for Thursday, May 8 has been postponed until Monday, June 2. It will still be at 8 p.m. at the Victory Overlook and we hope you''ll join us.

Stay tuned for more information.

Trees to be Trimmed Around Lights

Starting Friday, you will see crews from the Park & Rec Department trimming some trees around where future light poles will be installed. In some cases, it may require a mid-sized limb to be removed. Don’t worry, the superintendent for the crew is the top tree man in the district and knows exactly what he’s doing. So if you see Freddie on the Trail in the next few days, please thank him for helping make the Katy Trail even safer by creating space for the light poles to be installed.

Party for the Friends of the Katy Trail

Please join the Friends of the Katy Trail and local artist Dahlia Woods
in our effort to Finish Lighting the Trail

Enjoy wine, hors d'ouerves, art and live music.

Wednesday, April 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at
The Dahlia Woods Gallery
600 Cantegral St., Dallas, Texas 75204(off Live Oak-behind the Latino Cultural Center and diagonally across from The Dallas Center for Contemporary Art)

Space is limited
Tickets are $50
Click Here for Tickets

Light pole installation begins

Poles to light the Katy Trail starting being installed on Monday morning. Installation began at the south end near the American Airlines Center. It will continue on Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Here’s what the poles look like.

Light Poles to be Installed

The new light poles for the Katy Trail lighting project will begin being installed starting Monday, April 28. Installation will take place between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. starting at the south end of the Trail and working north.

Please use care when cycling, skating, running or walking past the construction crews.

The lighting is not 100 percent funded. Help us Finish the Lighting. Click here today to do your part.

From Earth Day to Arbor Day

Did you know the 30 acres that are home to the Katy Trail are classified as an Urban Forest? That’s why the Friends of the Katy Trail hired Arborilogical Services eight years ago to complete a tree inventory of the Trail from the AAC to Knox Street, and recently helped a future Eagle Scout conduct a tree inventory from Knox to Airline Road.

When it comes to helping the environment, a story in The New York Times reported that urban trees "can be 15 times more effective than a tree merely standing in the forest” because “three trees will sequester one ton of CO2 over a lifetime of 55 years.” A booklet titled "Urban Street Trees” by Dan Burden, founder of Walkable Communities, claims that "a single street tree returns over $90,000 of direct benefits (not including aesthetic, social and natural) in the lifetime of the tree."

Arbor Day is this Friday, April 25. Consider planting a tree in your part of our urban jungle … er … forest.

How Walkable is Your Neighborhood?

From Sunday’s New York Times: “An economics researcher at Washington University in St. Louis suggests that raising gasoline prices by $1 a gallon would reduce American obesity by 9 percent. Another study posits that if every American spent 30 minutes a day walking or cycling instead of driving, we would collectively cut carbon emissions by 64 million tons and shed more than three billion pounds of excess flab.”

Go to www.walkscore.com and type in your address to see how walkable your neighborhood is.

Earth Day – Seven Ways to Participate

Earth Day is next Tuesday, April 22. So what should you do? Here are seven suggestions:

1. Organize a fun walk, run or bicycle ride.
2. Support the Dallas Farmers Market
3. Make it a car-free day
4. Rediscover nature on the Katy Trail
5. Stay active and informed
6. Volunteer to clean up or improve the Katy Trail
7. Chip in by making a financial commitment to trails.

For details about Earth Day opportunities from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, of which the Friends of the Katy Trail is a member, click here. Help make every day an Earth Day.

Knox parking almost done

Thanks to the generosity of E2M Companies, the improvements to the parking lot next to the Katy Trail just south of Knox Street is almost done. The contractor is in the process of adding the wheel stops, lane striping and landscaping. Expect to see all the work done in the next couple of weeks during normal work hours (7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.).

In the meantime, you can use the lot after hours. And let us know what you think of the improvements.

Register for the Katy 5K

In case you haven't seen the great billboards around town and banners on Katy Trail bridges promoting the 5K, the Michelob Ultra No. 10 Katy 5K is coming up on May 15. The Dallas Morning News' new Fitness blog says it's a great way to get in shape. http://fitnessblog.dallasnews.com We'll have 50+ restaurants at the official post-race party, Katy's Picnic, so register now at www.KatyTrailDallas.org

Be a Katy Trail VIP

The Friends of the Katy Trail is committed to making safety for the Trail a top priority. Because the Katy Trail is a City of Dallas park, the Dallas Police Department and City are responsible for the overall safety and protection of the citizens. But no one person or organization, not even the resources of the DPD, can enhance the safety of the Katy Trail without the community’s involvement.

• We need more than 100 VIPs. You will be trained in situations presented by Dallas Police. Training will be on Saturday, April 19 at the DPD/DFD 911 communications center and you'll get a tour of the center. Click here to sign up now.
• VIPs simply observe while using the Katy Trail. They carry mobile phones to dial 911 when there is an incident needing reporting.
• VIPs wear a cool vest featuring Volunteers in Patrol, Dallas Police Department, and Katy Trail logos while on the Trail.
• VIPs should walk in pairs, so grab a friend and sign up.

The above will be a valuable service to the safety effort and should be a lot of fun, especially if there are 30, 40 or 50 VIPs on the trail at any one time wearing their vests. Email Office@KatyTrailDallas to get your application or more information

50 Ways to Leave Your Hummer

In honor of Tuesday’s “Travel Differently Day” we at the Friends of the Katy Trail would like to write a special song for you to help you “Travel Differently.” With sincere apologies to Paul Simon … hit it …

There must be, 50 ways to leave your Hummer.

Leave it out back, Jack;
You don't need a new toy, Roy;
Drive a sedan, Stan;
And set yourself free.

So hop on a bus, Gus
Get onto DART, Bart
Just take the train, Jane
Please do it for me.

Use a non-motorized scooter, Scooter.
Try taking the trolley, Dolly
Just leave your &$%# car at home for a day. It will help decrease emissions and the obesity epidemic … Shamemick.


OK, so the last line, or stanza, or entire song needs some help. So what would you sing?