Friends of Santa Fe Trail
News and Activities
News, Events, Items of Interest
Gail Blessing wrote she won’t be using the Santa Fe Trail, and doubts others will either, due to fear of crime. We have good news for those who harbor this concern. Not only do studies show that crime on urban trails is low, but these trails increase property values and strengthen communities among a host of other benefits. As a result, this new trail has the potential to transform (and we don’t use this term lightly) Ms. Blessing’s neighborhood and east Dallas as a whole.
The Santa Fe Trail is the four mile hike and bike path under construction connecting White Rock Lake to South Hill Avenue near Deep Ellum (with extensions to the Baylor DART station and Fair Park in the works). Plans for the two-mile portion connecting to the lake are undergoing final approval by TXDOT.
Studies show urban trails actually reduce crime by improving the landscape and attracting people who use the trail for recreation and transportation. While isolated incidents get attention and magnify what isn’t a big problem, trails across the country report the incidence of crimes against people to be very low. Out of 372 rail-trails reviewed in 1996, only 11 experienced any type of major crime. With a trail you essentially have a mobile crime watch with users in better shape than most criminals? The FoSFT.org website points to support for low crime statistics associated with trails.
What makes this trail transformational are increased property values for nearby properties, enhanced communities, natural scenery, a low cost and environmentally friendly commuting option to DART and business districts, obvious health benefits and fun activity for families. These too are supported by studies found on our website.
When we formed the Friends of Santa Fe Trail, we envisioned it as an extension of the trails at White Rock Lake – a place where we and others could run and bike. That vision is still accurate. But now, as we have been educated as to what trails can mean to a community, we see the trail as much more. It has the possibility of hosting thousands of bicyclists commuting to work at Baylor hospital, Deep Ellum or anywhere DART takes them. Already property values have increased alongside the entire trail, with many parcels being held for future development in areas that are prime for improvement. This in turn increases the city tax base, helping us all. Finally, talk of retail and dining options alongside the trail pleases those of us who want to walk or ride with neighbors to those destinations in a scenic place.
Even with little publicity and no formal membership program, over sixty people attended a "kick-off" meeting. City officials say they've received more calls about this trail than any other. We're excited about the Santa Fe Trail for good reason. It would be a shame if unfounded fear derails all this potential.
Monty Watson is a Co-Founder of Friends of Santa Fe Trail.
Monday July 14, 2008
Friends' application for charitable designation under I.R.C. 501(c)(3) was approved. Notification was received today. This critical step allows for tax deductibility of certain contributions and adds significant credibility to our grant acquisition efforts. Furthermore, many businesses that offer community support with in-kind contributions require 501(c)(3) status as a minimum threshold to application.
Thanks to HSMNA for contributing $2500 in seed money to the organization. Some of these funds have been deployed to cover organizational startup expenditures. The rest will be leveraged to further our initial campaing for a master plan. HSMNA's contribution will count toward a founding member designation. Please consider FoSFT in your giving.
The organization's initial efforts will focus on developing a Master Plan for the Santa Fe Trail. The rudimentary ribbon of concrete will need to be outfitted with amenties from benches and landscaping to possible gathering venues and entry plazas. The opportunities are endless due to the scenery, fitness facilities, cultural attractions, commuter possibilities, and our East Dallas artistic flair.
Initial fundraising of $50,000 to $75,000 will allow the organization to engage a premier firm to develop our Master Plan.
July 22, 2008
Founder's committe meeting. Contact info@fosft.org if interested in helping identify a handful of potentially larger donors to assist in funding the Master Plan.