The proposed Sports and Recreation Park trail extension. Photo courtesy of City of Dripping Springs.
Running Club teams up with City
The Dripping Springs City Council approved an agreement to team up with the Dripping Springs Running Club to provide funds for creating a proper Sports and Recreation Park trail extension.
At their Aug. 20 City Hall meeting, council members approved and accepted a donation of $5000 from the DS Running Club for the project, and agreed to cover the estimated remaining cost of approximately $4300.
“I am super appreciative of the running club’s donation to improve the rocky footpath,” said council member Taline Manassian, who also expressed concern over the termination clause in the agreement, if the City’s contribution was not enough. She did not want a termination to be automatic, and desired discretion in favor of utilizing a stronger financial provision if necessary.
“I motion to approve with the condition that the agreement’s termination clause be deleted,” Manassian said following a council discussion. Therefore, the council voted to approve the City's agreement, along with the decision to tender flexibility in its expected contribution; and if there was considerable cost overage, the matter would return to the DS City Council to examine.
About 80% of the current Sports and Recreation Park running/walking trail exists as a finished granite gravel trail surrounding the park’s perimeter, while 20% is a rough and irregular footpath. The proposal submitted by the DS Running Club in May envisions a 900 ft. long, 6 ft. wide compacted road base/granite gravel topped trail extension to replace the 20% footpath. It would connect the eastern loop turnaround to the crossing at the eastern end of Sports and Recreation Park.
The DS Running Club proceeds come from a profit after the cost of the “7th Annual Run By The Creek” 5K and 10K run held on Nov. 11, 2018.
Dirt Works bid $9,290 for the entire job, including equipment, labor, and materials. The project is anticipated to take 3-6 months, with completion on Nov. 13, 2019.
The trails completion improvements ensure the additional safety of runners who are subject to accidental falls on rocky footpaths, breaking both bones and teeth.