Multi-use trails: paved paths used by cyclists, runners, inline skaters, and walkers.

Where can a family find free recreation that is healthy, fun, and doesn't burn an ounce of gasoline? The easy answer is our Oklahoma City Trail System. The Metro is blessed with an excellent, and growing, multi-use trail system.
 
The Lake Hefner Trails are a wonderful urban gem and the most popular paths in Central Oklahoma. Throughout the year, thousands of adults and children enjoy this twelve-mile loop around the lake.
 
The Hefner Trails recently received a major face lift. Quite literally, the east side was elevated and resurfaced, and French drains were installed to remove rainwater. In addition, several new trail projects have received funding, and construction should begin in the near future. Planned trails include the Katy Trail plus the connecting link between Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser.

The Katy Railroad Trail will run from downtown Oklahoma City to the zoo. This is a rails to trails program that transforms the old train right-of-way into a multi-use trail. Rails to trails are prevalent in many states but are just getting started here in Oklahoma.

Another long-anticipated trail will run between Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser. As high gas prices stimulate more people to bike to work, there is great hope this path will invite both recreational cyclists and commuters.

Trails for Everyone
The master plan calls for a tapestry of trails all over our city. Every quadrant of town will have trails with future designs to reach into Norman, Yukon, and Edmond. The ultimate goal is to weave all trails into a connected matrix.

The new Oklahoma River Trail that runs along both sides of the river just south of downtown is a work in progress. Larry Ogle with the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department which maintains the trails said, We are seeing a dramatic user increase on the River Trail, but it did take some time to educate people that the trails were to be free from motorized vehicles.

In addition to paved trails, there are dirt mountain bike trails all over Central Oklahoma. Our singletrack (for mountain bikes only) trails are some of the best in the southwest and can be found by contacting OEF (Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship, web site) or Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop.

The beautiful tree-lined trails at Lake Arcadia are ideal for the beginning off-road rider. For the more advanced rider, Bluff Creek trails, just north of the Lake Hefner Dam, offer a more challenging course. Previously, this area was nearly closed due to erosion problems from motorcycles, but the OEF created a partnership with Oklahoma City to maintain and protect the trails. This successful partnership continues to benefit Bluff Creek as well as other trail systems.

Protecting Lake Hefner's Green Space
The public is always encouraged to voice their interests and concerns at The Oklahoma City Trail Advisory Committee meetings. The committee, which advises the mayor and city council on trail matters, is made up of appointed trail users and two city council members and meets quarterly at the Will Rogers Park garden center. Soon, several public forums will be held to discuss a new Lake Hefner master plan.

There are growing concerns about continued commercial advancement on the green space adjacent to Lake Hefner. Many fear the green spaces and trails will be severely compromised by more development. Recent surveys conducted by Insight Marketing showed a majority of citizens prioritized safe trails over additional development. If you echo the Joni Mitchell (and now Counting Crows) song's sentiment, They paved paradise and put up a parking lot, you might want to get involved. The city hopes concerned citizens and trail users will participate in these public meetings (call Lance Gross in the Oklahoma City Planning office at 297-3908 for details) and will communicate their wishes to city council representatives.
 
More Than Good, Clean Fun
It is a proven fact that communities are judged by their recreational areas and their dedication to personal health. National surveys have ranked Oklahoma's overall health as very poor our children turned in one of the worse health scores in the country.

But Oklahoma City's trails offer a great way for families to get outside and enjoy some healthy recreation. Our multi-use trails are definitely a quality of life statement.

I truly enjoy riding my bicycle on our city trails while watching the Oklahoma landscape pass by. If you have not personally experienced the fun and exhilaration of our trails, get out there and become a part of it. It will do wonders for your spirit.
 
Safety on the Trails
Trail safety and courtesy are paramount for the success of any trail. Therefore, motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited from city trails. Cyclist and inline skaters are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and to exercise caution when passing slower trail users announcing your presence while passing is good common sense.

Parking Near the Oklahoma River Trail
Park your car south of the river at the skate park east of Robinson or in the lot east of Meridian.

Outdoor enthusiast Hal McKnight is the owner of Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop and the Chairman of the Oklahoma City Trails Advisory Committee. Contact him at 947-6260.