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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9956 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9956 �� . To the Mayor and Members of the City Council November 1, 2016 Y Page 1 of 1 *a rrn SUBJECT: TRINITY RIVER TRAIL MANAGEMENT This Informal Report is provided in response to questions regarding the management and use of the Trinity River Trail. OVERVIEW: Fort Worth has more than 40 miles of trails along the Trinity River corridor. Trail types include crushed limestone, paved and on-street. These support cycling, running, walking and equestrian. Jurisdiction and responsibility for the trails is generally the City of Fort Worth (City) and Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). In addition, Streams and Valleys, Inc. (S&V), a non-profit organization, plans and coordinates recreation enhancements, beautification efforts and public recognition of the Trinity River including the network of trails. Another partner involved with trails and events is Trinity River Vision Authority (TRVA). They manage and program Panther Island in collaboration with the City and TRWD. ISSUE: Usage of the Trinity Trail system has increased in recent years as a result of organizations conducting events and development along the trail system such as Panther Island Pavilion, the Trailhead in Clearfork such as Press Cafe, and the Woodshed near Rogers Road. Organizations conduct a variety of events such as 5K runs/walks from the Trinity Trail along the main stem from Panther Island Pavilion through Trinity Park, to the Rogers Road/Woodshed area and southwest to the Clear Fork area to Bryant-Irvin Rd. ACTION BEING TAKEN: On a regular basis, City staff meet with other trail partners to discuss upcoming reserved events and conduct quarterly trail inspections to include maintenance, changes and/or improvements on the trail such as signage, striping, trail or trailhead construction, safety concerns, and the trail safety initiative "Share the Trail" sponsored by S&V. One initiative being developed as a result of these meetings is an interactive trail map to communicate trail construction, special events, etc. on a single website or application for citizens. Staff is also reviewing policies, procedures and rules for trail usage to ensure consistency with all trail partner organizations. NEXT STEPS: Discussions with the trail partner organizations are underway to assess current or potential policies to address the trail congestion and safety concerns. In addition to the trail partner agencies input will be obtained from running and biking organizations, event holders and other stakeholders. A 12-month calendar will be developed of all known and projected events impacting the trail system to minimize trail congestion. Any revisions would be targeted for implementation in the second quarter with an understanding that many events are planned a year in advance and would need to be accommodated. Alternate locations will be promoted to event holders to encourage usage of lesser used portions of the trail system. If additional information or clarification is needed, please contact Richard Zavala, Park and Recreation Department Director or Susan Alanis, Assistant City Manager. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS