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Health Foundation partners with City of El Paso and El Paso Water to develop Playa Drain Trail
March 21, 2017
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation (Health Foundation) is pleased to announce a partnership 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 linear trail on the Playa Drain from Ascarate Park to Riverside High School (map attached). 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 up to $2,000,000 to fund 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 their 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 built environment, and contribute positively to our quality of life.”
“Partnerships like these further the vision of the City and Parks Department to expand recreation opportunities for residents and visitors, promote physical activity, and enhance the ability of residents adjacent to the Trail to enjoy recreational activities within close proximity to where they live,” said Tracy Novak, City Parks and Recreation Director.
The Health Foundation will seek input from the public during the design-phase of the 3.4-mile linear trail. Completion of the trail is set for March 2019.
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