THROUGH THE LOOP

THE CITY OF DALLAS began making comprehensive plans for a citywide trail system about 14 years ago. So far, Dallas has built 149 miles of trails, with another 37 miles currently under development. But total of 300 miles of trails are proposed across the city, but so far much of that is unfunded.

While many are disconnected, there is a plan in the works to create The Loop, a $56-million project that would create one 50-mile loop connecting North Dallas, White Rock Lake, South Dallas, Oak Cliff and West Dallas, spanning all 14 City Council districts. The Loop is the idea of pals Jeff Ellerman, a real estate executive, and oilman Larry Dale, who became frustrated one day while riding bikes on the dead-end Trinity Skyline Trail in Oak Cliff.

“We were saying, ‘This is so frustrating because there’s no trail to get here. Once you’re down here, it’s unbelievable, but it doesn’t go anywhere,’ ” Ellerman recalls. “ ‘The Great Trinity Forest is amazing, but you can’t get to it. Wouldn’t it be great if these trails connected and they were longer?’ ”

With encouragement from Mayor Mike Rawlings and Katy Trail mastermind Philip Henderson, they created a nonprofit, the Circuit Trail Conservancy; about two years ago, they began working with the city’s Park Department and Trinity Watershed Management on a plan to connect the trails.

Now plans for The Loop are complete, and the nonprofit already has raised about $17 million, including $5 million from Dallas County.

The city’s portion is $20 million, and if approved, The Loop could open in the next four years.

STONE

Park Trails

IF HITTING UP THE LONG TRAILS around East Dallas isn’t your thing, try taking a stroll along some of the loop trails and walking paths at neighborhood parks. That way you can take in nature without feeling like you’ve left your favorite East Dallas amenities behind.

Lakewood Park

If you’re looking for more of a crosscountry kind of run, Lakewood Park might be for you. It has plenty of sidewalk space as well, but this playground off of Williamson has several well-kept dirt paths for runners who want to feel the earth beneath their feet.

How Trails Are Funded

THE EXTENSIVE NATURE OF OUR TRAIL SYSTEM requires more than one source of funding for trails, connections and other amenities. While implementation relies heavily on municipal bond programs, federal, state and local government grants periodically become available

Tietze Park

In addition to a community pool, baseball diamond and tennis courts, Tietze Park on Skillman also has a concrete path running along its perimeter that is a popular spot for after-work jogs.

Winfrey Point Park

Winfrey Point Park, tucked away on the east side of White Rock Lake, offers a great view of the lake and features plenty of running and biking paths. It’s also not too far away from the White Rock Lake Park loop if you decide there’s time to extend your walk in the park.

—STEVE DICKERSON for trail projects. Friends groups and advocacy partners also are increasingly important when it comes to making the most of the trail network, project manager Peter Bratt says. Bond meetings to determine where city money is used are slated this month, though exact dates have yet to be posted. Bratt says public input will be important.

Abdominal Pain

Back Injury

Breathing Problems

Chest Pain

Dehydration

Dizziness

Eye Injuries

Head Injuries

Major Burns

Stroke Like Symptoms

Allergies

Allergic Reactions

Bites

Colds and Coughs

Cuts

Earaches

Fevers

Flu

Sore Throat Rashes