The Katy Trail is a clean, safe, and beautiful linear greenbelt park for Dallas citizens and visitors to exercise and connect with nature and each other.
On track to welcome three million visits in 2024, the 3.5 mile-length Trail built on the abandoned K-T railroad line is a treasured greenspace and major asset of Dallas and North Texas.
The Katy Trail is a tremendous boon to the mental and physical health of Dallas, as well as an important driver of our city's economic growth and appeal. The estimated economic impact of the Katy Trail to Dallas in the last ten years is over $2 billion dollars.
While the Trail is a city park, it is privately funded. Individual and corporate donors in our generous community fund the amenities that those who walk, run, cycle, commute, and gather enjoy on the Katy Trail, including landscape maintenance, lights, security patrols, signage, water for people, pets, and plants, and more. Established in 1997, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Friends of the Katy Trail, is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the Trail for the benefit of our community.
Since 2021, the Friends of the Katy Trail Art program has brought six temporary Art installations by world-class artists to the Trail, and we plan more in the future.
View our recently published 2023 Annual Report to learn more about the organization and how we put your dollars to work:
Friends of the Katy Trail 2023 Annual Report
Our Needs
Friends of the Katy Trail must now raise $1.5 million each year to maintain the Trail at the high level our community expects and needs. Funds raised through North Texas Giving Day are a very important part of our fundraising each year, so we are so grateful for any support you can provide on this special day. Every gift counts!