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Gathering highlights Trail de Paris helpers
By Connie Beard
Published November 11, 2009
Trail de Paris is known statewide for a paved path, which wonders through a grove of trees near Love Civic Center, skirts a hummingbird garden near Paris Junior College and provides a safe place for anyone to get out for a bit of fresh air.
The trail is now 3.16 miles long, with pathway signs, quarter-mile posts, and offshoots here and there.
Friends of the Trail, the City of Paris and the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce plan an appreciation celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, under the pavilion at Love Civic Center. The focus is on the accomplishments brought about by members and businesses in the community and the support and perseverance of those involved in creating this pathway through Paris.
“We will highlight what the trail has done and what the future of the trail will be,” said Jill Drake, member of Friends of the Trail.
At 11 a.m., Kenny Dority, chairman of the chamber, will provide the opening remarks of the appreciation celebration. U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Rockwall, and State Rep. Mark Homer, D-Paris, will offer a few remarks as will Paris Mayor Jesse Freelen and Friend of the Trail Earl Erickson.
A scrolling screen will display the names of the hundreds of people and businesses who have provided a helping hand in creating the trail.
Master Gardeners will provide seed balls for planting and Jimmy Don Nicholson and adult probationers will plant trees along the trail.
Youngsters will be able to participate in sack races hosted by area Boy Scouts and expend energy in a bounce house and more. There also will be free hot dogs and drinks provided.
The Trail de Paris was adopted as a project for Leadership Lamar County Class 2004. A 2.4-mile trail was designed and created that year. The trail is now owned by the Greater Paris Development Foundation and has grown to more than three miles in the past five years.
The pathway within the city limits is known as Trail de Paris, but the trail will soon continue through the City of Reno and make its way to Blossom and beyond.
Plans for the trail continue, with a long-term vision of a 130-mile pathway leading from New Boston to Farmersville.
Within the city, there are plans to construct Safe Routes to School, which will use Trail de Paris as a basis for students walking to class and back.
The Greater Paris Development Foundation provides a basis for grant awards and maintaining the trail.
For additional information on Trail de Paris, visit the new Web site at www.traildeparis.org.
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