This course, designed for city planners, civil and transportation engineers, landscape architects, urban designers, and policymakers, explores the strategic integration of Texas State Park trail systems into urban and regional planning to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable outdoor recreation, and foster community engagement. Drawing from the expertise of Texas State Parks, the course highlights the diverse trail networks—spanning hiking, biking, equestrian, and paddling trails across 640,000 acres and 1,300 miles—while emphasizing sustainable trail design, community partnerships, and innovative funding mechanisms like recreational trail grants. Participants will learn how to leverage state park resources, such as the Northeast Texas Trail and upcoming developments like Palo Pinto Mountain State Park, to create interconnected, accessible, and resilient trail systems that enhance public health, environmental stewardship, and equitable access to nature in urban and rural settings.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand Sustainable Trail Design and Maintenance: Gain insights into designing and maintaining sustainable trail systems, including strategies to mitigate erosion and ensure long-term environmental resilience, as applied in Texas State Parks, to enhance urban and regional green infrastructure.
2. Leverage Partnerships for Trail Connectivity: Explore effective collaboration models with state agencies, local communities, and organizations like the Texas Conservation Corps to integrate state park trails with regional networks, fostering seamless connectivity and community engagement.
3. Incorporate Recreational Grants and Policies: Learn to utilize funding opportunities, such as Texas’ recreational trail grants and Proposition 5, to develop and enhance trail systems that promote public health, accessibility, and equitable outdoor recreation for diverse populations.