Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway runs 20 miles, connecting downtown Mineral Wells with Weatherford, running through one of the most popular state parks in Texas. Known as "Rails to Trails," the trail is a former railroad bed - designated historic- that was converted in the 1990s into a walking, hiking, cycling and horseback riding trail.
Owned and managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, in 2019 Rotary Club of Mineral Wells assisted in the repair and maintenance, but still State funding and manpower fall short. Our Rotary Club wants to beautify and to include resting benches along areas of the trailway that border inside the City of Mineral Well.s
The trail has been identified as a key component in the revitalization efforts under way in Mineral Wells, especially in the downtown area where the Mineral Wells trailhead is located, running east through the business, residential and retail districts.
Through the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce and Envision Mineral Wells, a non-profit 501c3 "Friends of the Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway" was formed to raise funds and focus on repairs and various improvements along the Mineral Wells portion of the trailway to the state park. The repairs, adding lighting and maintaining the public right of way are also underway. Hopes are this will not only improve the look and use of the trail, but spur development and new business such as seen along many urban trails.
We want our club to be part of this important community effort through the non-profit organization "Friends of the Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway" and challenge other local organizations and businesses to match our grant.
We believe this is a good use of our grant funds and a way for us to get involved directly with an important effort connected to our city's economic reawakening and development.
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