Everyone at Wheeler Dealer is extremely passionate concerning our trail system. Former store owner Hal McKnight has served on the Oklahoma City Trail Advisory Committee for years and is presently the chairman. We helped with fundraising efforts for the Lake Hefner trails starting back in 1983.
We believe a safe trail system is a true quality of life statement for our community. Trails stand for health, family fun, and assist bike commuting.
UPDATE:
The Katy Trail is now open.
This is the old Katy Railroad right of way that runs from Remington Park south to the Oklahoma River. To access this new east side trail you can park in the zoo parking lot or at Lincoln Park Golf course.
Work has started at the Lake Hefner trails and is moving east along Grand Blvd. This trail will link the Hefner Trails to the Deep Fork Greenway trails, which are funded but have not been constructed. This trail segment will run from McGuiness High School easterly and connect to the Katy trail. We have new maps at Wheeler Dealer.
Maps 3
OKC Voters approved the Maps3 plan to include 40 million dollars for over 50 miles of new multi-use trails! This is a a huge step in completing our city’s trail master plan.
Need pdf map
Click here for a map of the trail routes of Maps3
The
2000 Oklahoma City Bond Issue has benefited several established trails as well
as building three new multiuse trails. Funds from this bond have
resurfaced the Lake Hefner Trails and added French drains to the east side to
improve drainage.
The status of the 3 new trails is:
- Lightning Creek Trail – completed
- Hefner to Overholser Trial – completed
- Katy Trail – this is a rail road right of way trail that runs from Remington Park to the River Trails. Status - over 90% complete.
The 2007 General obligation bond passed December 2007. Oklahoma City citizens voted in each bond for city wide trail improvements by an 80% margin. Over 12 million dollars will be directed toward multiuse trails projects. Wheeler Dealer owner, Hal McKnight worked with city leaders, the Oklahoma City Council and the Chamber of Commerce extensively last year on this bond issue.
Hal was quoted by the press saying, “congratulations to present and future trail users. The passage of the 2007 bond represents a positive statement for the quality of life in Oklahoma City. These new funds will support the investments already made in trails, promote health, and continue to grow the tapestry of trails in our city.”
Lake Hefner Repair Project
The work on the south side of Lake Hefner is now completed and the resurfacing of the dam road and trail is also completed. The city held an official ribbon cutting for the dam reopening on July 11th. City councilman Pat Ryan and Oklahoma City Trails advisory chairman Hal McKnight addressed a large crowd of runners, cyclists and city representatives. Our entire Wheeler Dealer staff rode their bicycles across the dam as soon as the ribbon was cut. Much appreciation is extended to our city for completing the work ahead of schedule.
Hal McKnight, Councilmen Pat Ryan and Sam Bowman, Larry Ogle with Parks and Recreation,
and others cut the ribbon opening the Lake Hefner road and trails on July 11, 2008
From Southwestern Publishing:
"Trail of Gears"
by Lauren Hammack
Cycling enthusiast and bicycle shop owner Hal McKnight is hitting the trail, joining thousands of cyclists around the 11 miles of trails that surround Lake Hefner. After a $1.9 million facelift that included months of repairs and renovations, the Lake Hefner Dam Road has recently reopened.
McKnight sees the improvements as a major victory for the 15,000+ trail users who walk, jog and cycle in the area. "People really identify with and are impassioned by the area around Lake Hefner," McKnight explains.
"read full article here"
The New Lake Hefner Recreation Master Plan
A new plan for the lands and water at Lake Hefner was accepted by our city in 2007. This plan outlines a “commercial zone” of 5 acres along Northwest Highway. The remainder of the Lake Hefner reservation will prioritize recreation and trails.
After collecting public opinions in surveys and meetings, our city has recognized the importance of the green space around Lake Hefner from the aspect of health and recreation. Great appreciation is extended to everyone who helped maintain the integrity of the trails, land, and water of Lake Hefner. A special thanks goes to Wheeler Dealer staff for their work in securing this new plan.
Trail Story by Hal McKnight from Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop
For MetroFamily Magazine October issue
Multi-Use Trails for All Kinds of Wheels*
Multi-use trails : paved paths used by cyclists, runners, inline skaters, and walkers.
Where can a family find free recreation that is healthy, fun, and doesn't burn an ounce of gasoline? The easy answer is our Oklahoma City Trail System. The Metro is blessed with an excellent, and growing, multi-use trail system.
The Lake Hefner Trails are a wonderful urban gem and the most popular paths in Central Oklahoma . Throughout the year, thousands of adults and children enjoy this twelve-mile loop around the lake.
The Hefner Trails recently received a major face lift. Quite literally, the east side was elevated and resurfaced, and French drains were installed to remove rainwater. In addition, several new trail projects have received funding, and construction should begin in the near future. Planned trails include the Katy Trail plus the connecting link between Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser .
The Katy Railroad Trail will run from downtown Oklahoma City to the zoo. This is a "rails to trails" program that transforms the old train right-of-way into a multi-use trail. "Rails to trails" are prevalent in many states but are just getting started here in Oklahoma .
Another long-anticipated trail will run between Lake Hefner and Overholser. As high gas prices stimulate more people to bike to work, there is great hope this path will invite both recreational cyclists and commuters.
Trails for Everyone
The master plan calls for a tapestry of trails all over our city. Every quadrant of town will have trails with future designs to reach into Norman , Yukon , and Edmond . The ultimate goal is to weave all trails into a connected matrix.
The new Oklahoma River Trail that runs along both sides of the river just south of downtown is a work in progress. Larry Ogle with the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department which maintains the trails said, "We are seeing a dramatic user increase on the River Trail, but it did take some time to educate people that the trails were to be free from motorized vehicles."
In addition to paved trails, there are dirt mountain bike trails all over Central Oklahoma . Our singletrack (for mountain bikes only) trails are some of the best in the southwest and can be found by contacting OEF (Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship, www.okearthbike.com ) or Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop.
The beautiful tree-lined trails at Lake Arcadia are ideal for the beginning off-road rider. For the more advanced rider, Bluff Creek trails , just north of the Lake Hefner Dam, offer a more challenging course. Previously, this area was nearly closed due to erosion problems from motorcycles, but the OEF created a partnership with Oklahoma City to maintain and protect the trails. This successful partnership continues to benefit Bluff Creek as well as other trail systems.
Protecting Lake Hefner's Green Space
The public is always encouraged to voice their interests and concerns at The Oklahoma City Trail Advisory Committee meetings. The committee, which advises the mayor and city council on trail matters, is made up of appointed trail users and two city council members and meets quarterly at the Will Rogers Park garden center. Soon, several public forums will be held to discuss a new Lake Hefner master plan.
There are growing concerns about continued commercial advancement on the green space adjacent to Lake Hefner . Many fear the green spaces and trails will be severely compromised by more development. Recent surveys conducted by Insight Marketing showed a majority of citizens prioritized safe trails over additional development. If you echo the Joni Mitchell (and now Counting Crows) song's sentiment, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot," you might want to get involved. The city hopes concerned citizens and trail users will participate in these public meetings (call Lance Gross in the Oklahoma City Planning office at 297-3908 for details) and will communicate their wishes to city council representatives.
More Than Good, Clean Fun
It is a proven fact that communities are judged by their recreational areas and their dedication to personal health. National surveys have ranked Oklahoma 's overall health as very poor-our children turned in one of the worse health scores in the country.
But Oklahoma City 's trails offer a great way for families to get outside and enjoy some healthy recreation. Our multi-use trails are definitely a quality of life statement.
I truly enjoy riding my bicycle on our city trails while watching the Oklahoma landscape pass by. If you have not personally experienced the fun and exhilaration of our trails, get out there and become a part of it. It will do wonders for your spirit.
Safety on the Trails
Trail safety and courtesy are paramount for the success of any trail. Therefore, motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited from city trails. Cyclist and inline skaters are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and to exercise caution when passing slower trail users-announcing your presence while passing is good common sense.
Parking Near the Oklahoma River Trail
Park your car south of the river at the skate park east of Robinson or in the lot east of Meridian .
Outdoor enthusiast Hal McKnight is the owner of Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop and the Chairman of the Oklahoma City Trails Advisory Committee. Contact him at 947-6260.
Check out the trails: www.okc.gov/trails/
*article from Metro Family Magazine - Oct. 2005