Posted on May 30, 2019

 

With Mineral Wells on a path to economic growth, Rhett Warren, center, hopes to use an existing path to further local progress and development.

 

An attorney and president of the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors told Rotary Club of Mineral Wells members on Wednesday he is working to charter a Friends of the Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway non-profit fundraising and steering organization to make improvements on the 20-mile trailway that stretches from downtown Mineral Wells to Cartwright Park in Weatherford.

 

With four trailheads and 16 bridges along the route, two miles running through Mineral Wells are paved with asphalt, with the remaining 18 miles of the trail lined with crushed limestone. The former railroad bed for the Weatherford, Mineral Wells and Northwestern Railroad, the trail opened for public use in 1998.

Owned and managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, the trail is in need of repairs and improvements, but funds and manpower fall short. Currently a portion the trail is closed, from Garrett Morris Parkway to the National Vietnam War Museum, because recent rains have washed the trail out. Warren said it could be some time before that portion of the trail is repaired and reopened.

 

While he wants to see the trail improved from Mineral Wells to Weatherford, Warren said he wants to concentrate for now on the Mineral Wells portion by improving the surface and adding lights. He hopes groups will adopt stretches of the trail to help keep its right of way cut, trimmed and free of litter. At least two businesses along the trail are already doing that.

 

He said he envisions new development of private property along the trail. Warren said he has documented owners of adjacent properties and hopes to enlist their cooperation to either sell or make improvements. He said there are a number of ideas, from housing and businesses, such as eateries, food trucks or bike rentals.

 

In discussion with downtown investor and developer Randy Nix, he said the trailhead located at the historic depot on South Oak Avenue could be connected to a new trail extending north through downtown with more development and features.

 

Warren said he believes the trailway is another key to providing enhanced quality of life and attracting new tourism, residents and economic growth. If you would like more information or how to get involved with the project, email Warren at info@thewarrenfirm.com.

 

He is pictured above with program chair Crystal Cameron, left, and club President JJ Dugan.

 

Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Palo Pinto General Hospital for lunch, networking, updates on club business and news and a program of interest. Meetings are for club members, invited guests and prospective members.