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.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 9, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, November 19, 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.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
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.
Monday, October 4, 2010
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
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
Friday, October 1, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 16, 2010
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 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.
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.
Friday, February 5, 2010
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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
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.
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