KYLE, Texas — An ambitious plan to use trails to connect Austin and San Antonio is slowly becoming a reality. On Tuesday, the Kyle City Council approved a citywide trail master plan, according to a report from Community Impact.
The plan is part of the Green Springs Project and aims to connect Austin to San Antonio through New Braunfels, San Marcos, Kyle and Buda via trails.
Community Impact reports that the project has been labeled a "trail-oriented development" and the trail itself has been tentatively named The Vybe Kyle. It will feature individual "vybes" throughout the trail where visitors can shop, eat at restaurants and access amenities like parking and restrooms. The trail system will reportedly connect to existing trails and construct new ones throughout Kyle.
The project passed, 6-1, with the stipulation that adjustments and changes can be made based on feedback from the council, Community Impact reports.
The council raised concerns about the proposed use of concrete on parts of the trail and its longevity in the event of flooding and extreme weather. But City Manager Scott Sellers said research has been conducted on concrete versus other materials. Researchers found the maintenance of porous materials in the flood plain areas is very demanding and creates a "very expensive, ongoing maintenance problem."
Community Impact reports that parts of the trail will be built out to 12 feet wide to accommodate benches, golf carts, light poles, security cameras and more.
Funding for the trail comes from a voter-approved bond from the November 2020 election, which allocates $2 million for construction as well as the Kyle Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission and grants, Community Impact reports. The budget for upkeep and maintenance is currently set at $500,000 a year, and the City of Kyle has requested additional funding from Hays County.
According to Community Impact, it's unclear when construction on The Vybe Kyle will begin but the council will be discussing further details at upcoming meetings.
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