Wilson Creek Trail is the only Texas trail to join the National Trail System this year
McKINNEY, Texas (June 15, 2023) – The City of McKinney’s Wilson Creek Trail has joined the prestigious National Trails System following a designation by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Wilson Creek Trail joins a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails, which can be found in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Wilson Creek Trail is the only trail in Texas to earn the designation this year.
The scenic and recreational Wilson Creek Trail is a nearly 10-mile trail system that connects Bonnie Wenk Park to Towne Lake Park. The trail provides access to other amenities, such as playgrounds, a disc golf course, and an outdoor fitness court, and connects residents and visitors to various local parks, community resources, and other local open spaces. The trail also includes a 0.44-mile dog park loop.
“Spending time on the McKinney trails network is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of our great city,” said Michael Kowski, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. “We are truly honored to receive this national designation and thankful to all our community partners, volunteers, and city staff who work every day to grow and enhance the Wilson Creek Trail.”
National recreation trails are existing local or regional trails designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture with the consent of the federal, state, Tribal, local, nonprofit, or private managing entity.
“National recreation trails, including these new designations, are some of our country’s highest caliber trails and provide close-to-home recreation opportunities and the benefits of spending time outdoors,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “They can be used by everyone and provide for the ever-increasing recreation needs of our growing population, especially in urban areas.”
In McKinney’s recent citizen survey, more than 85 percent of residents said expanding and connecting the hike and bike trail system was a priority in maintaining McKinney’s high quality of life.
“We believe that our trails network can serve as the great connector within our community,” Kowski said. “Residents and visitors alike will be happy to know that we will continue to focus our resources on expanding and improving this system throughout the community to unite people and places in unique ways.”
For more information on McKinney’s Parks and Recreation Department, visit McKinneyParks.org.