COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS (AUGUST 10, 2011) – Today the Arts of Collin County hosted leaders from across the area to break ground on the segment of the Six City Trail which is on the site of the future Arts of Collin County performing arts hall and park. Two trails are part of the project, the Ridgeview Drive Trail runs along the south end of the site and connects with the Six City Trail on the east side of Exchange Parkway.

The Six City Trail travels the west side of Rowlett Creek to the north end of the site at the Sam Rayburn Tollway. A connection under the Tolllway to existing trails in Craig Ranch is planned and will open over 5 miles of continuous trail to hikers and bike riders. In addition, a parking lot will be provided for trail users on the west side of the site at Ridgeview Drive.  The Six City Trail is a joint effort of the cities of Allen, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Garland and Richardson to create a regional connected trail system. 

“The Arts of Collin County is excited to begin construction on the trail creating opportunities for all to experience the arts park site in its natural state.  The Six City Hike and Bike Trail is a significant collaborative effort and this connection will be an integral part of the Six City Trail that is planned to ultimately connect all the way to White Rock Lake.” states Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County.

(L-R) Peter Vargas, City Manager, Allen; Mike Simpson, Executive Director, Arts of Collin County; Nancy Joslin, Open Spaces Board of Directors; Bob Baggett, Board President, Arts of Collin County; Robbie Robinson, former Board President of Arts of Collin County; Mayor Terrell, City of Allen; Mayor Dyer, City of Plano; Steve Matthews, former Board President at Arts of Collin County; Debbie Stout, deputy Mayor Pro-tem, City of Allen and Gary Caplinger, Councilman of City of Allen.  photo courtesy of the Arts of Collin County

Senator Florence Shapiro (District 8) was not able to attend but had previously commented on the plans: "I am pleased to see progress on the site of the future home of our Performing Arts Center.  The Six City Trail program is a terrific example of collaboration between our cities, county, and the business community.  This effort gives us a special opportunity to enrich Collin County through the arts, culture, and environmental education.  It will enhance our region's already strong quality of life and establish an even more desirable destination for both families and corporations." 

This portion of the Trail Project is funded in part through the Collin County Park & Open Space Enhancement Program in the amount of $500,000. The purpose of the Collin County Park & Open Space Enhancement Program is to promote a high quality of life for current County residents and future generations through the addition of new parks and preservation of open space resources. This program requires recipients to match the County funds with either an equal amount of cash or land.  The Arts of Collin County match is the land on which the trail will be built.  This land is dedicated to the City of Allen and once complete will be maintained by the City of Allen as part of the trail system.  This is the second installment of Open Space Enhancement Funding the Arts of Collin County has received.  The initial $350,000 in 2006 funded the design of the trails and open space on the site.

Jim Bowman Construction Company of Plano is the contractor for this project. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2011.  Visitors to the Arts of Collin County will have access to stroll or ride along Rowlett Creek through a beautiful part of the project site. 

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park.  Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with public bond monies, Collin County Open Space Enhancement funds, and additional financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located ½ mile east of Custer Road on the Sam Rayburn Tollway (Hwy 121), the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.