Scenic trails network gains one extra mile

With completion of the northern section of the Campión Trails system, bicyclists and in-line skaters now can enjoy seven miles of smooth riding along the scenic Elm Fork of the Trinity River.

The trail has been extended by one mile, north to Interstate 635, and a parking lot for access on the northern end has been built, as well as two small picnic pavilions. New security lighting and park signage also have been installed.

The northern section now runs from a small parking lot one-quarter mile south of California Crossing to the north side of I-635 (LBJ Freeway). To access the northern parking lot, take the eastbound I-635 access ramp from Valley View Lane. Instead of entering the freeway, stay to the right and take the access road turn-around under the I-635 bridge. The parking lot entrance is off the access road on the north side of the bridge.

The new picnic shelters are located at the 15-acre T.W. Richardson Grove Park, also on the north side of I-635. “Future plans are to build additional picnic facilities, a canoe launch and a larger parking lot,” said Casey Tate, park planning and construction superintendent. The northern section is ready to be extended north of Valley View Lane toward Valley Ranch, as soon as the President George Bush Turnpike construction parallel to Valley View Lane is completed in 2006.

The Parks and Recreation Department’s next phase of Campión Trails is the construction of a group picnic pavilion at Bird’s Fort Trail Park. This group pavilion will seat approximately 65 people and will be located a quarter mile north of Northwest Highway along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The project also will include a 40-car parking lot, landscaping, turf irrigation and small information kiosk. The pavilion should be available for rental beginning this fall.

When the project is completed, the master-planned Campión Trails system will consist of a 22-mile greenbelt along the Elm and West forks of the Trinity River. The Campión Trails network currently includes California Crossing, Bird’s Fort Trail, Mountain Creek Preserve and Spring Trail parks. The master plan was approved by the Irving City Council in 1995 and the project was initiated in 1996. There have been incremental expansions of the 12-foot-wide concrete surfacing, which follows the river’s contour.