Welcome to Texas Township Parks
For a number of years now, Texas Township residents have been seeking improved park space and paved recreational trails for our community.
Unlike other local communities, Texas Township does not have a comprehensive trail system and has only one park, which is heavily used. As a result, our citizens have a lack of recreational opportunities, safe pathways for local pedestrian traffic, and community connectors that entice local residents out of their homes and into our neighborhoods.
To respond to the growing demand for trails and other recreational opportunities, Texas Township updated its five-year Parks and Recreation plan in 2009 after extensive community input. The new plan calls for more recreational facilities, including an enhanced trail way that connects Texas Township trails to those in Portage to the East, Oshtemo to the North, and Mattawan to the West.
Once connected to these neighboring communities, residents will be able to connect to larger, regional trail systems including the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail and the Kal-Haven Trail. Moreover, local trails will connect area residents to community assets, including parks, natural areas, local businesses and neighborhoods.
The initial stages of the proposed trail way system call for the following:
- Extension of the existing paved trail along Texas Drive to Al Sabo Preserve
(completed 2012) - Two miles of additional paved trail from Al Sabo Preserve to the Portage trailway at 12th Street
- One and a half miles of paved trail along Q Avenue from the Pavilion Trail Head to the communities to the west
- Development of a trailhead at the Pavilion (completed 2012)
- Pavilion Trailhead restrooms (completed 2012)
- Pavilion Trailhead landscaping (completed 2012)
- Additional Playground equipment (some added in 2012)
- Additional Sports courts
- Parking lot improvements at the Pavilion (completed 2012)
Most of the asphalt trails will be 8 or 10 feet wide, depending on the requirements of the agency providing grant funding for the project. Final cost will also vary based on the final route selected.
Additionally, plans call for building a small endowment fund which will help fund operational maintenance of the trail system and sport courts over time. Taken together, the entire effort will cost approximately $1.4 to $1.8 million.