Austin Business Journal
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 12:12 PM CST


The Hill Country Conservancy is spearheading a plan to create a roughly 30-mile trail system from near downtown Austin all the way to Hays County.

The trail would run from Barton Springs south of downtown to the Onion Creek Preserve in Kyle. Mostly, the trail would go through property owned by the city of Austin. The Hill Country Conservancy and project partners are working now to secure property along the gaps. The exact location of the trail and the costs associated with it have not been finalized.

The project named Walk-for-a-Day would be a significant addition to Austin's complex of trails. The initiative has garnered the support of the Real Estate Council of Austin and other groups. RECA has already contributed $80,000 toward the operational expenses associated with the project.

Attorney and Hill Country Conservancy President Steve Drenner says he's encouraged by the feedback and contributions the project has already received.

"In the past, there have been restrictions that closed various parks and open spaces to the public," says Drenner. "This will not be the case with the Walk-for-a-Day regional trail system. Everyone will be encouraged to utilize and appreciate the new trail."