Council hears public comment and staff plan for final Lake Wichita segment to complete Circle Trail; wetlands, property and maintenance top concerns

Wichita Falls — City staff presented plans on May 20 for the final roughly 0.9-mile segment of the Circle Trail adjacent to Lake Wichita and described a preferred shoreline alignment intended to maximize safety and grant competitiveness. The public hearing drew extensive public comment both for and against the proposed alignment, with recurring concerns about wetlands, property lines and maintenance.

Parks and engineering staff said the TxDOT Transportation Alternatives set-aside program would fund approximately 80% of the project if awarded, with an estimated total cost in the city’s preliminary application of about $5.6 million and a typical 20% local match. Staff said the preliminary cost estimate has contingency and that they expect the number to fall as the design is refined. The…