After being the oasis for those in need of an out-and-about during the pandemic and the arrival of user-friendly weather, the Katy Trail has only grown in its popularity for walkers, joggers, strollers, cyclist and pooches.
But the well-being of the Trail doesn’t come by it naturally. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes nurturing and maintenance to “offer a safe, free and inviting greenspace for all to exercise and connect with nature.”
One of those folks is Bobbie Adkinson, who can been seen daily walking on the Trail with her trusted pooch Daisy. During last year’s Campaign to Complete the Katy Trail, Bobbie’s daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Doug Parker, “named a new bench at Armstrong and the Trail in her honor.”
This year Gwen and Doug have upped the ante and have become the honorary co-chairs of the Katy Trail’s Spring Support Campaign that’s underway with a goal of $100,000.
It should come as no surprise since the entire Parker family is well known for their professional and community involvement in North Texas. Doug is the CEO of American Airlines and Gwen serves on the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council and Texas Women’s Foundation board, and is a Together We Dine facilitator for Project Unity as well.
According to Gwen, “The Katy Trail is such a treasured asset of Dallas and so important to the mental and physical health of our city. Doug and I hope that those who use and love the Katy Trail will support its daily operation through a gift to the 2021 Spring Support Campaign.”
While the Trail’s staff and volunteers were at the Katy Trail Ice House’s Alamo Room assembling the campaign letters earlier this week, don’t wait for your letter. Snail mail is so snail-ish. Just contact Ann Whitley Wood to show your love and support for the Trail.