News

Construction on the Playa Drain Trail has begun

February 14, 2018

On Monday, January 22th, Jordan-Foster Construction received the green light to begin construction of 3.4 miles of the Playa Drain Trail from Ascarate Park to Riverside Park. Construction will begin on the Ascarate Park side of the trail and move in one-mile segments until completed. The Playa Drain Trail is a partnership of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation (Health Foundation), City of El Paso and El Paso Water. The Health Foundation is contributing $2.5 million for the design and construction of the trail from Ascarate Park to Riverside High School. The City of El Paso is contributing $300,000 from the Quality of Life Bond for trail amenities like benches and shade structures, as well as lighting for the project. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the trail once completed. El Paso Water purchased the Playa Drain for storm water management and is allowing for its public use as a trail. “We are excited to begin construction,” said Tracy J. Yellen, CEO, Paso del Norte Health Foundation. “The input from the community has been extraordinary and the support from all the partners make this trail the first of its kind for El Paso and one that residents will be proud of.” The 3.4-mile trail will offer opportunity for recreation and physical activity (walking/biking) for use by residents throughout the region and as an alternative to driving for near-by residents, and part of the Health Foundation’s commitment to making active living the easy choice for residents in the region. The trail is set to be complete by the end of August. For construction updates, visit pasodelnortetrail.org.