If you live in Dallas, you’ve heard of it. You’ve probably been on it. Perhaps you’ve already been using it to stay in shape. If you are an active individual who is moving to the Dallas area, you may be acquainted with and looking forward to utilizing it to help you meet your fitness goals. It may have a reputation for being a place to avoid late at night when you are all alone; but in all other regards, the Katy Trail offers cyclists, joggers, rollerbladers, and walkers with a little slice of natural heaven in the midst of the concrete jungle that is Dallas. For a closer look at the offerings on and around the Katy Trail, simply read on.
Why Katy?
For much of the 20 century, trains passed right through the heart of Dallas on the legendary Union Pacific Railway. The line that intersected the city was called the Missorui-Kansas-Texas Railroad, and was known colloquial as “the Katy.” It is in the space occupied by these tracks and their surrounds that the Katy Trail is today.
How Old?
In the late 1980s, “the Katy” was phased out as the major eastbound railway route through Dallas. In 1993, the Union Pacific Railroad donated the abandoned lines running through Uptown and Oak Lawn to the City of Dallas. Almost immediately, nature loving residents, politicians, and businesspeople started chattering about turning this newly acquired space into an urban park. A plan was hatched, and a nonprofit organization—The Friends of the Katy Trail—was established to raise funds for the development and maintenance of the project. Construction started in early 2000 and was completed in 2007.
How Long?
The Katy Trail spans a length of 3.5 miles, from Mockingbird Station near Southern Methodist University to Victory Park’s American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks. Several entrances have been created so that residents living along the trail can hop on and off at points that are convenient to them. The entire stretch of path is beautifully landscaped to provide weekend warriors with a splendid backdrop for their athletic pursuits. A secondary jogging trail has been added for runners who wish to keep their distance from cyclists and those on inline skates. For cyclists and marathon trainers, the Katy Trail is just one part of a network of green space on which they can ride and train in the City of Dallas, with extensions in progress that will connect the trail to the path that circumnavigates White Rock Lake and the park system currently being developed along Trinity River. The trail also has connections to Reverchon Park and Turtle Creek’s park system.
Katy Trail Ice House
The neighborhoods through which the Katy Trail passes are home to numerous great shopping and dining options. One highlight that is just three steps off the trail, however, is the Katy Trail Ice House. Since its opening in 2011, the Ice House has become a regular haunt for thousands of Dallas sports fans and fit types. There is no better way to cool down and reward yourself after a run than with one of the bar’s 50+ on-tap beers or a venison chili topped cheeseburger. Er—or a salad….
Living Within Walking Distance
The Katy Trail intersects several residential neighborhoods, many of which are home to relatively new apartment communities. During the development of the trail, there was a notable increase in the value of much of this real estate. One upscale apartment community located in close proximity to the Katy Trail is our very own AMLI Quadrangle. In addition to its prime location, advantages afforded to residents of AMLI Quadrangle enjoy:
- Fountain-lined Pool Area with Outdoor Entertainment Kitchen
- Rooftop Deck with Killer Downtown Views
- Communication, Cyber, and Business Center
- Java Bar
- Pet Park and Paw Wash
- Private Parking in Secure, Gated Garage
- Gourmet Chef Kitchens, Equipped with Wood Cabinets and Stainless Steel Appliances
- Walk-In Closets
- Ceiling Fans in Every Room, to Help Residents Beat the Heat in an Energy Efficient Manner
If you seek to enjoy life in part through maintaining a healthy lifestyle, greenbelts like the Katy Trail are nice to have nearby. Are you an AMLI Quadrangle resident who regularly uses the trail? If so, feel free to share your thoughts! Residents looking to live luxuriously in Dallas’s colorful uptown can download an eBrochure for AMLI Quadrangle to see what other great assets the community has to offer.
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