Kyle City approves $120,000 task order to advance Vibe Trail master plan

Council on April 7 approved a task order with Dunaway & Associates to prepare the Vibe Trail and Greenway master plan in an amount not to exceed $120,000. The motion, made by Mayor Yvon Flores Kale and seconded by Council Member Harris, passed 6-0.

The item drew extensive public comment from residents and trail advocates who said a master plan would guide future route selection, allow better access to schools and parks and multiply economic returns. “Research shows trail systems return about $3 for every dollar invested,” said Josh Keller, a former trails committee chair who told the council he has advocated for a formal plan for more than three years. Several speakers urged that the plan include equity-focused prioritization so areas currently without safe routes—particularly east-side neighborhoods—are not left behind.

Council discussion highlighted environmental protections and property-rights concerns. Council Member Zapata urged a framework that maximizes equity, citing a potential rubric to prioritize early-build segments in underserved areas. Mayor Flores Kale and other members asked staff to minimize use of eminent domain and to respect landowner relationships during design.

The task order funds master-plan tasks including community outreach, route feasibility, surface material recommendations and preliminary cost estimates. David Lopez, who presented the item, noted the Vibe Trail is part of the larger Great Springs route connecting Austin to San Antonio and advised the council to consider habitat and water-resource protections in the design. The council directed staff to proceed and to return with additional implementation steps during the capital budget cycle.

The approval clears the way for the consultant to begin public engagement and technical assessments aimed at producing a formal master plan to guide construction and grant-seeking.