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 preferred alignment follows the lake shoreline on city-owned land and limits right-of-way acquisition; staff said limited bridging would be required in wetland locations and that they plan to minimize impacts and pursue applicable Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit coverage.

"This new section here ... along Lake Wichita ... it will complete the circle trail," a parks staff member said during the presentation, describing the Circle Trail as roughly 24 miles when complete and noting the final shore segment will bring the system full circle. City engineering staff explained the city holds deeded lakebed and adjacent recorded plats dating to the 1920s, and that after Corps of Engineers flood-control modifications the shoreline receded; staff said that history leaves a corridor of city-owned land between platted parcels and the current lake edge where the trail can be located.

Residents who spoke at the public hearing raised several recurring issues. Several Lakeshore Drive property owners said their property lines extend to the historical lake edge and said the trail alignment came close to private docks; one resident asked whether the city planned any eminent-domain takings. City staff responded that the proposed alignment uses city-owned corridor land and that they do not expect to use eminent domain for the grant application as presented.

Other public concerns included: wetland and environmental impacts where short bridged crossings would be required; the effect on Larry’s Marine/boat storage and commercial operations; trail lighting and late-night use; loitering and public-safety concerns at previously dead-end trail segments; long-term maintenance and trash removal; and proximity to homes. Cycling, running and business representatives spoke in favor of completing the circle, citing safety benefits, economic development and recreational value.

City staff said they would host an additional Q&A session after the council meeting for detailed, parcel-level questions and return to council with design updates. Staff also said they expect to submit the formal TxDOT application by the June 20 application date and that TxDOT notification of awards is likely in the October timeframe if the application is advanced.

Council did not take an action item at the hearing; the presentation recorded public testimony and staff’s preferred alignment ahead of the grant application.