Get Involved-Spotlight: The Trail Foundation
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What is The Trail Foundation?
The Trail Foundation’s mission is to protect and enhance The Trail at Lady Bird Lake. Since its formation in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation fulfills its mission through careful improvements to the Trail’s infrastructure and environment, while honoring the original vision of the Trail’s founders. In a distinctively collaborative effort, the foundation works in cooperation with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department to close the gap between what the city provides and what the Trail requires.
How is The Trail Foundation funded?
The Trail Foundation is funded with donations from private citizens, foundations and businesses—with the common thread being that our members want to preserve this crown jewel of Austin.
Why is there a need for a separate foundation when the City of Austin Parks Department takes care of the Trail?
The Trail Foundation enhances and maintains the Trail beyond what the city’s parks department is able to do.
Projects and Programs of the Trail Foundation include:
· The recent transformation of the Circle at the north end of the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
· The stunning renovation of Lou Neff Point
· The award-winning restroom on the northeast side
· The now under-construction renovation at the Johnson Creek Trailhead at “The Rock” under Mopac near Austin High
· Groves of native trees as part of Health Trees for the Trail
The Trail Foundation has led the effort to Complete the Trail with the Boardwalk.
The project is a public/private partnership. To that end, The Trail Foundation has committed to raise $3 million in private funds to support the construction cost of $16 million. The 2010 transportation bond package, approved by voters on November 2, 2010, included only partial funding for closing the gap. Trail completion is dependent on the city receiving $3 million in private funds committed by The Trail Foundation.
The fully designed and engineered project is scheduled to break ground in late 2011.
Membership
Please join to the TTF as a member and be part of all we are doing at the Trail. Community support and donations help us to continue to improve and beautify this crown jewel of Austin.
Volunteer Opportunities
TTF needs volunteers to help by adopting gardens, planting trees, helping with Trail and Lake cleanups, maintaining projects, and working on membership drives. And groups can help at our annual Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run & Gala on Thursday, June 16.
email
info@thetrailfoundation.org
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