Great Trinity Forest
The Great Trinity Forest Master Plan Concept, approved by the City Council on March 26, 1997, proposes the development of the Trinity Interpretive Center, equestrian facilities and nature trails, multipurpose trails to be used for recreation and transportation, boat launches, and trailhead improvements. It also outlines the acquisition and preservation of bottomland hardwood forest within the Trinity River Corridor. The forest is the most likely site recipient for environmental restoration/mitigation required for the Trinity Parkway, the Dallas Floodway Extension Project, and other transportation projects in the Dallas area. The project goal for land acquisitions is 2700 acres.
Through a cooperative agreement with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the City has acquired 208 acres of land located at Interstate 20, for development of the Southern Gateway to the Great Trinity Forest. The Northern Gateway to the Great Trinity Forest will be located in the vicinity of Moore Park, which has been expanded by 4.4 acres to provide easier access to the 8th and Corinth Street DART station.
The voters of the City of Dallas authorized the issuance of $246 million in General Obligation Bonds on May 2, 1998. The city plans to use a portion of those funds for the acquisition of land and development of the Great Trinity Forest. City Council approved the Master Implementation Plan for Lake Design and Recreational Amenities within the Trinity River Corridor on August 25,1999, contingent upon approval of final report by City Council.
Great Trinity Forest properties acquired include: 36 acres along Pemberton Hill Road which contains a natural spring; 50 acres along Bruton Road and contains a 10 acre pond; and 40 acres north of Second Street.
Other properties acquired or authorized for acquisition for both mitigation land and forest land include: 50 acres along the east of Martin Luther King Boulevard; 177 acres north of Interstate Highway 20 and along both sides of the river; 265 acres a former golf course; 14 acres south of the river near State Highway 310; 54 acres north of Interstate Highway 20 and along both sides of the river; 90 acres east of State Highway 310 and south of Linfield Road and 47 acres south of Loop 12 and north of the river.
An additional 1290 acres is in the process of being acquired.
The Trinity Interpretive & Equestrian Centers
The Trinity Interpretive Center is currently planned as a focus for educational and environmental interests in the Trinity River Corridor; eco-tourism activities; aquatic, archaeological and historical exhibits; and wetland and prairie areas at the center of the Great Trinity Forest's trail system. On March 9, 2005, the City Council authorized a management agreement with the National Audubon Society.
Originally, an equestrian center was proposed both in the Great Trinity Forest along with a satellite center in the floodway. The current feasibility study has consolidated the equestrian center locations to just the forest. Equestrian trails in the forest are also planned. Available to both local equestrian enthusiasts and tourists, the facility can provide opportunities for those interested in entertainment for a few hours or an entire day. It is anticipated that the forest Equestrian Center will be developed in conjunction with the Trinity Interpretive Center.
A Feasibility Study and Master Plan for the Trinty Interpretive Center, The Trinity Equestrian Center & Associated Components Executive Summary presented to Council on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 (28.5 MB, this is a very large pdf file)
Thus far, the Dallas City Council has authorized the purchase of over 820 acres of land in the Great Trinity Forest, which will be used in part for wetlands construction and preservation of bottomland hardwood forest.
Development of a master plan for Moore Park was completed in August 2001. The design process is currently underway.
Next Steps
- City of Dallas will seek additional funding from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grants for recreational amenities and trails throughout the corridor.
- The City of Dallas will complete construction of the Loop 12 boat launch by Summer 2005.
- The City of Dallas is continuing to pursue land acquisition in the Great Trinity Forest.
- The City of Dallas is proceeding with the design of both the Trinity Interpretive and Equestrian Centers and they are currently estimated for completion by January 2008.