City Council unanimously approved the submission of the application to the 2023 Collin County Project Funding Assistance Program in hopes of making more connections to what’s called the Veloweb. This is a regional trail project meant to connect more than 100 cities in North Central Texas.

The council approved the submission of the application as part of its consent agenda May 20. The application is for about $1.79 million.

The details

City staff have proposed a project that could enhance Frisco’s existing off-street hike and bike trail, officials said. They want to make a connection to the Veloweb in Panther Creek.

The proposed trail connection would be about 0.7 miles. It would connect:

• On the east side of the BNSF Railroad, to the existing Frisco Springs Trail and Frisco Springs neighborhood
• On the west side of the BNSF, to Rogers Settlement Park and the surrounding neighborhood
• And to Panther Creek Parkway, located north of the trail alignment, where an upcoming Regional Veloweb segment is also planned.

This connection will provide a direct route from the Veloweb north of Panther Creek Parkway to the Panther Creek trail system, according to city documents. It will ultimately reach the BNSF bridge trailhead and continue west.

The trail system could also support future regional connections to the Fields development including Universal Kids Resort and PGA Frisco. It could also extend into Prosper to the north and The Colony to the south.

The background

In 2023, Collin County residents approved a parks and open space bond program that allows funds to be shared with communities and qualifying nonprofits. The bond program is to run from 2024-28, according to city documents.

Previously, funds from the program were used to acquire new park sites, add bike and hike trails and construct recreational facilities.

What’s next?

If the project is selected for funding, city staff will bring an interlocal agreement with Collin County to the council for its consideration.