A Year of Appreciation - 2022
Dear Friends of The SoPac Trail,
On behalf of the Friends of The SoPac Trail steering committee, I would like to thank you for all your support of our work on the SoPac trail in the last year. As those of you who use the trail often can see, we have made many improvements to the Fisher Rd./Santa Barbara entrance to the trail. The pollinator garden and irrigation has been installed. In fact, this past October, the garden was swarmed with Monarch butterflies migrating south for the winter. Also, the group planted trees along the Santa Barbara Gateway as suggested by the City of Dallas Forester.
The multi-use drinking fountain and stone seating are in place. As our group had planned, this area has become a watering hole for all the trail users. Residents watering their dogs at the fountain, and runners and bilkers getting a needed drink are a common sight.
Our most recent project was a painting of the Mockingbird bridge columns along the trail. Over the years, graffiti has been a blight in this area. Even more of an eye sore was the off color grey that was used to cover the graffiti. The committee chose a neutral color and painted all the columns on the bridge. As noted by many, the area is much improved.
It should be noted that formal agreements have been enacted between the Friends of The SoPac Trail and The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department and Public Works Department. This has had the effect of making The Friends of The SoPac Trail a recognized and legitimate entity. So much so that we now have linked with The Circuit Trail Conservancy (The Loop) and the Dallas Trail Coalition which represents Friends of Trails groups all over Dallas.
Further, The Friends now includes in its membership residents from several neighborhood organizations including Lakewood Trails Neighborhood Association, White Rock Neighborhood Association, and Hillside Neighborhood Association. All with the common goal of supporting The SoPac trail and its users.
In 2022, we launched our first website and social media profiles to increase communication, recognize our strategic partners and provide community awareness for new development projects that improve The SoPac Trail. We initiated quarterly newsletters to our dedicated subscribers like you, and we hope to provide the opportunity to collect donations to support projects such as graffiti removal in the days ahead.
As for the future, we have several initiatives and activities we are considering. We have had much discussion about erecting a small shade structure over the seating area. We are also discussing holding a fun celebration along the trail. And of course, we support all those groups that pick up trash along the trail on a consistent basis.
Again, thanks to all for your generous support of the Friends and if any of you are interested in helping with any of our activities, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Felix SaucedoChairman, Friends of The SoPac Trail Steering Committee