Houston’s Brushy Creek Trail and its nearby wildflower garden will be highlighted during a grand opening May 31.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 9 a.m. The event runs through 11:30 a.m. with registration of Emmett Kelly Park.
Those registering at Neal’s Sporting Goods before May 17 will receive a free Brushy Creek Trail T-shirt. Youth and adult sizes are available.
The day of the event, Texas County Memorial Hospital will host a free blood pressure and body fat analysis. The Texas County Health Department will serve refreshments, and the first 50 seniors ages 55 and older will receive a free pedometer. University Extension will offer free water bottles.
The Brushy Creek Trail is the trailhead of the Village Trail, a walking and bicycling venue under development in the city. It will start at the Houston Welcome Center, which is under construction, explains Elaine Campbell, development director for the City of Houston and Downtown Houston Inc. The Brushy Creek portion is .25-mile long and is suitable for walking and hiking. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk to the end of the path and back to the trailhead.
Those exercising are encouraged to bring their cameras for photos along the trail. A display of pictures is planned for the end of the celebration in August.
The project is a cooperative effort of the City of Houston, Missouri Department of Transportation, Downtown Houston Inc. and Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Resource, Conservation and Development in Houston provided funding for the wildflower project, which is expected to take about three years to become fully established.