It was one of the lovely lady’s favorite places.
Not far from her home, she would come to this location along the Trinity Trails early in the morning, often with her Chocolate Labradors: Truffles, Cleo and Sophie. Even when fighting cancer, she found peace here.
So after the 61-year-old woman died in September 2020, her husband, friends and family were searching for a way to honor her. It was only natural for them to be drawn to this spot near the Trinity River.
The group quietly raised more than $150,000 to build a new trailhead at the north end of Oak Forest Drive, with the Tarrant Regional Water District agreeing to match the amount raised.
The result will be a peaceful, wooded area that will have two picnic tables, a bathroom and a water fountain for both humans and dogs. There will be a small parking area and ramps making the facility handicap-accessible.
(The family, shying away from publicity, is remaining anonymous until a private dedication ceremony after construction is completed. The woman was described as a “private, peaceful living” person who believed in service to others.)
The family and friends, who also worked with Streams & Valleys on the project, hope their efforts encourage others to contribute to the 100 miles of trails along the Trinity River.
“It’s a gift to remember her and create something great for the neighborhood and others who use the trail. It’s going to be a wonderful addition,” said Stacey Pierce, executive director of Streams & Valleys.
“It’s a great example of the way private citizens can have an impact on the trail system if they want to,” Pierce said. “There are a ton of these we need along the trails and river network that we’re never going to be able to get if we just do it with public funds.”
The trailhead will be on the south bank of the West Fork of the Trinity River and can be reached by taking one of several streets off Burton Hill Road: Odom, Durham, Volder, Fursman or Dennis.
Tarrant Regional Water District’s Floodway & Construction Director Lexi McCalip said the district is seeking bids for the required concrete work. The project will take about three months to complete, she said.
Eventually there will be two granite markers: one with the woman’s name and photo on it; another with her favorite Bible verse or hymn.
“If it inspires others to use the trail, she would want that,” her husband said.
