Playa Drain Trail

Playa Drain Trail

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation (Health Foundation) has partnered with the City of El Paso and El Paso Water to build a linear trail on the Playa Drain in south central El Paso.

The City of El Paso approved a donation, development and license agreement authorizing the Health Foundation to design and construct a 3.4-mile linear trail on the Playa Drain from Ascarate Park to Riverside High School. The Playa Drain Trail will offer opportunities for recreation and physical activity (walking/biking) for use by residents throughout the region and as an alternative to driving for near-by residents.

The Health Foundation’s Board of Directors approved $2.5 million for the design and construction of the linear trail under its Healthy Eating and Active Living priority area that works to make healthy eating and active living the easy choice for individuals and families in the region.

The City of El Paso had previously earmarked $300,000 for trail amenities such as benches and shade structures as part of its 2012 Quality of Life Bond. The Playa Drain is owned by El Paso Water. In a separate agreement, El Paso Water granted the City use of the Playa Drain for a trail with the City agreeing to maintain it.

“We are excited to partner with the City of El Paso and El Paso Water to develop the Playa Drain Trail for residents in our region,” said Tracy Yellen, CEO for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. “It will provide safe, well-designed walking and biking areas that connect neighborhoods to important amenities like parks and schools, improve the surrounding environment, and contribute positively to our quality of life.”

The Health Foundation held several public meetings at Riverside High School to get input from the public on the design of the linear trail. Shaded areas, vegetation, artwork from area schools, and other amenities have been designed along the trail. Construction will begin in January 2018 at Ascarate Park and will move in one-mile segments until completed. Completion of the trail is set for August 2018.

For updates on the trail, visit pasodelnortetrail.org.