Photo by Danny Fulgencio

Photo by Danny Fulgencio

In addition to the bag-ban discussion, the city council will hear updates on the trail network during a Monday briefing.

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“It’s basically about where we are now, and what’s next,” says project coordinator, Jared White.

There are planned projects included in the 2006 and 2012 bond programs, plus some proposed trails that lack funding at the moment. Have a look at the Dallas Trail Network Plan map.

Earlier this week when we discussed our neighborhood’s bike-friendliness (or lack thereof), a reader asked about one such proposed trail, the Dixon Branch Trail. The 2.3-mile route would provide a connection to the White Rock Lake Loop Trail from Lake Park Estates. It also includes a loop around Lake Highlands Park. The estimated cost is $2 million.

“I haven’t really heard of any momentum (on the Dixon Branch Trail) as of yet,” White says. “Funding is the issue.”

Money for these proposed trails could come from grants through Dallas County (White has applied for one for the Scyene Trail in South Dallas), but the city is also looking at private donors — from corporations to local citizens. For instance, Dallas-based AT&T is helping raise funds for the $2.5 million trail that will run through the Trinity River Audubon Center. It will be called the AT&T Trail. White says the city could also partner with a state agency like Texas Parks and Wildlife.