Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heard Trail Improvements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Heard Natural Science Museum asks CDC for $211,160 to repair and pave key trail through flood-prone site
Summary
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary requested $211,160 from the McKinney CDC to restore and upgrade five miles of trails, including paving Laughlin Loop, a heavily used trail adjacent to the museum’s outdoor exhibits. Museum representatives said about 90% of the Heard’s land lies in an active flood plain and trail substrate is
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary presented a public hearing to the McKinney Community Development Corporation seeking $211,160 toward a $375,000 project to restore and upgrade five miles of trails on its 289-acre property, including paving the Laughlin Loop trail that leads to the museum’s outdoor exhibits.
Britney Crater, representing the Heard, told the board that “90% of our land is in an active flood plain,” and that trail washout and erosion are increasing maintenance burdens and limiting access for visitors with mobility challenges. The requested CDC funds would pay for the Laughlin Loop portion of the work, which the museum said is the most frequently used trail for school programs and community events.
Crater said the total five-mile trail project is estimated at $375,000; the Heard has a confirmed $25,000 matching gift and has applied for a larger Texas Parks and Wildlife grant worth $300,000 but had not received notice of award at the time of the hearing. Staff said if other grants come through, CDC funds would be reduced accordingly.
Board members asked about trail width and whether it could be widened in high-traffic segments; Crater said the plan preserves current widths (four to five feet) in many wooded areas but that wider sections are possible in open areas. Several board members voiced support for increased accessibility to nature and for the museum’s fundraising efforts.
The hearing closed with no action taken; the CDC will consider applications and award decisions at its May 22 meeting.
