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Happy Trails

A 25-mile bike trail in Wichita Falls? I'm ALL in!

I was clicking my way through the Times Record News Web site this morning ( I leave the paper copy for my significant other to read when he comes home in the afternoon) and I saw an interesting story from my fellow reporter, Lara Richards. It seems that we might actually see a completion to the city's hiking trail-it's a vision from our venerable Parks and Rec department head, Jack "Papa" Murphy (OK, i made up the nickname, but I love Jack!).
What a GREAT thing this would be for the health of our Wichita Falls residents! I love the Lake Wichita trail. I have walked around quite a lot of it, at several different times during the year. My dog especially likes being able to sniff around the lake and see the ducks and geese. In fact, last fall we were walking the trail around dusk, and a whole flock of geese on their way south for the winter flew right over our heads and landed in the lake so gracefully right before our very eyes. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
We should get behind this effort with every dollar and cent we've got. I know money is tight for all of us, the city included, but besides health, there are other important reasons to finish this trail system.
I remember reading an article a year or so back that was talking about attracting Generation Ys (like me) to different cities across the country. The story said the most popular cities for that demographic included Portland, Ore., and Boulder, Colo., both places that value outdoor exercise immensely with several hiking, biking and walking trails. The article said the reason Generation Y's are so important to city growth is because we are in our mid-twenties, are starting families and are looking for places to permanently settle. The more young people Wichita Falls can attract, the better it will be for our long-term economy and growth. Why not give the Y's what they are looking for? A 25-mile connected trail around the city would be a great, FREE place for folks to get fit, have fun and make friends. Even if you don't bike, you can walk, run or rollerblade. I'm all in. Happy trails to us!

Posted by Stacy Johnson at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)