Pathways committee reports trail, history‑center and ecotourism gains

Rich Connell, chair of the Pathways Steering Committee, told the commissioners that the committee’s work over the past year has focused on ecotourism, site maintenance and visitor programming. He said the committee has advanced a 30‑mile kayak trail listed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and has completed upgrades at Linda Castro Nature Sanctuary and the Airport Road kayak launch.

Connell credited facility staff under Renee Butler for maintenance and said the history center — after termite repair and interior and exterior work — is due to reopen March 21 with a new exhibit. "We've had some major, major repairs... It's due to open on, March 21," a history‑center representative told the court.

Pathways has expanded programming such as bird‑banding (led by ornithologist Rebecca Rylander) and is pursuing marketing and grant partnerships. The group hired a new coordinator, Leah Madato, to run events, monitor sites and produce social‑media content. Funding for Pathways projects is handled through the county’s facilities budget, with supplementing grants and donations; Connell noted donations like the Kapoor Memorial and said all proposals require commissioners’ approval.

The presentation highlighted increased visibility and visitor metrics used for planning. Commissioners praised work on the history center and community cooperation on trail and venue projects.

What’s next: Pathways said it will keep advancing kayak‑trail development, complete site upgrades (some projects expected by June 2026), pursue grants and coordinate future programming that supports nature‑based tourism.