21-05-2025
Trail completion in Wichita Falls garners support and concerns
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Wichita Falls City Councilors held a public hearing to discuss completing the decades-old Circle Trail, which remains incomplete.
'Circle Trail is truly a gem for the city,' Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation Director Kalee Robinson said.
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The trail lacks about .9 miles of completion. The city is set to use their own property adjacent to Lake Wichita to complete the last section.
'It is a key component of [the Parks Master Plan], and completing this will enhance our park accessibility. It will enhance the diverse recreation interests that we have in the city,' Robinson said.
While support is strong among users.
'Many more residents that will benefit from and already support the completion of the trails for those.' Becky Raeke said.
'Trail itself has driven economic development,' Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce partner Moriah Williams said.
Many Lake Shore Drive neighbors still raise concerns.
'I bought a lakefront property, so I never had to worry about people in my backyard.' Gary Morath said.
'Most of us are seniors over here and we feel and we feel like the bulldozers are cranked up and ready to go.' a lake shore drive neighors said.
It's been a hot-button issue for neighbors in years past.
The city has missed out on grants to fund the remaining section of the trail.
Morath told councilors he has no problems with the trail, he just doesn't understand why it needs to be in his backyard.
'If we didn't want people coming on to our property, which they're going to have full access of. The whole reason for buying on the lake, if you've ever built on the lake, is so you didn't have to put up with fence,' Morath said.
Assistant Public Works Director Tyson Traw said the trail will be an average of 150 feet from homes, with 60 feet being the closest.
'One thing we will certainly include in the design phase of this is to place bollards on the trail,' Traw said. 'Some loitering on from time to time. We think that the additional traffic from bicyclists and pedestrians will reduce that.'
The city will keep the public input in mind as it works to improve park infrastructure.
No action was taken regarding applying for grant funding. The city has until June 20 to apply.
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