To know the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is to love it, and the trail is getting some well-deserved TLC with the implementation of the Arts & Culture Plan.
The next three years hold a plethora of changes to the trail and surrounding areas — including adding art exhibits, updated equipment, artist residencies, and public spaces — let’s look at a few of them.
Construction and replacement of facilities began in late 2022.
Rendering via The Trail Conservancy
Butler Shores Exercise Equipment Enhancement
| 200 S. Lamar Blvd.
Once complete, Butler Metropolitan Park will mark a public recreation area — complete with exercise equipment, seating, and drinking fountains — house boat ramps, and become home to the Dougherty Arts Center when it is relocated. View the design boards
.
The Holly Project will celebrate improvements in spring 2024.
Rendering via The Trail Conservancy
Holly Project
| 2711 Canterbury St.
This plan will bring seating, sustainable ecological restoration, a new trailhead, and water access to the now-defunct Holly Power Plant in spring 2024.
Phase one consisted of cleaning the indoors, making ADA improvements, and removing outdoor graffiti.
Rendering via The Trail Conservancy
Seaholm Waterfront
| 707 W. Cesar Chavez St.
The decommissioned art deco building is currently in phase two of redevelopment to become a public space. Once complete, the space will have a cafe, front porch, public Wi-Fi, lake access, and a public landscaped lawn.
Want to make your voice heard? Attend the Trail Conservancy’s Arts + Culture Plan Open House from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.