The Journey of the Addicks – Tanner Trail: From Vision to Reality for Lakes on Eldridge Residents
Have you ever wondered how the Addicks – Tanner Trail came to be? This project, born from the vision of a few dedicated residents from Lakes on Eldridge, has a fascinating story filled with community effort, challenges, and determination. From the initial idea of connecting Tanner Road to the expansive bike trails atop the Addicks Reservoir to overcoming obstacles like funding and Hurricane Harvey, the journey has been anything but straightforward. Let’s take a closer look at how this trail became a reality and what it means for the community.
The journey to establish the Addicks – Tanner Trail began in early 2012, initiated by a couple of residents from Lakes on Eldridge (LOE) and Lakes on Eldridge North (LOEN). Their vision was to connect Tanner Road to the top of the Addicks Reservoir, creating a pathway for local residents to access the expansive bike trails atop the dam.
Initially, the plan sought to connect North Eldridge to the dam road directly. However, this idea was scaled back to link the intersection at Ginger Ponds to a trail leading to the dam road, ultimately providing access to approximately 56 miles of protected bike trails. Despite the promise of such an extensive trail network, challenges arose, particularly regarding the need for a sidewalk to accompany the trail. The county stipulated that a sidewalk must be installed from the intersection to the trail, as they were unwilling to end a trail at a road.
Efforts to secure funding for the sidewalk from the Homeowners Associations (HOAs) of LOE and LOEN proved unsuccessful. In a collaborative effort, Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) 341 and 370 were approached and ultimately agreed to fund the necessary sidewalk.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Next, the property required to connect Tanner Road to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) land had to be acquired from the Cash Family, which was achieved for $350,000. An engineer from MUD 341 then developed a design for the sidewalk; however, the HOA for LOE declined to allow the sidewalk on its property, necessitating placement in the right-of-way along Tanner Road.
With the groundwork laid, the county prepared a design for the trail, incorporating the section within the COE property. This design underwent review and commentary by the COE, and multiple stakeholders became involved, including the County Flood Control Board, County Parks, and local volunteers known as the “BIKE BOYS.” These volunteers had been instrumental in advocating for the project.
Tragically, the progress made was significantly hindered by the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. With the COE facing numerous lawsuits and complications, they adopted a new stance regarding the use of the dam road, requiring any entity to assume all maintenance responsibilities and liability for accidents. This proved to be a formidable barrier, effectively stalling the project.
Despite these setbacks, the BIKE BOYS persevered. They took it upon themselves to cut a trail through the COE property from the county land to the top of the dam. Although not perfectly maintained, this improvised trail offers a practical solution for residents, taking only about 1.5 minutes to walk.
After an investment of approximately $500,000 in land acquisition, design, and labor, the community has a usable trail that, while not officially recognized, serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience of the Lakes on Eldridge community. As the project continues to evolve, the Addicks – Tanner Trail stands as a symbol of community spirit and the determination to enhance local connectivity and recreation.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
