Using memories to inspire projects

AUSTIN (KXAN) - If you use the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, you can't miss it. The Trail Foundation has installed a large memory board along the way. It's a unique way to come up with ideas for improvements and projects along the trail.

The large white board is located on the south side of Cesar Chavez Street, east of Lamar Boulevard. The Trail Foundation opened the board up for comments over the weekend. It was nearly full by Monday. The idea is to allow the people who use the trail have to some ownership.

The Trail Foundation will use the thoughts and stories to help inspire architects for projects.

The Trail Foundation executive director Susan Rankin said when they needed to brainstorm ideas for improvement projects, rather than calling up a meeting or open house, they went right to the source.

"What we want to do with the trail memories installation is to get the input and enthusiasm of the common trail users, and we succeeded beyond our wildest expectations," Rankin said.

The memory board shows a timeline of the trail over a hundred years, accented with pictures of projects and construction form the past. There is a cut-out right in the middle. That's the next project.

"If you look through the place where there's not picture, behind the board, you'll see that there's an old 1970s restroom. It's affectionately known as 'the leaner.'  It needs to be replaced," Rankin said.

The memory board is drawing in runners and walkers non-stop.

"I noticed it and wanted to pull over and see some of the stories and then add my own," said Susan Thompson.

She took particular notice of one spot on the  board--the picture of one of the gardens near MoPac.

"We have a garden that we dedicated to a friend--Dave Kelly. He passed away on the trail in November of 2006," Thompson said.

Spelled out all over the board are memories of loved ones and stories of overcoming challenges and tough times. The scope of the messages is endless. One underlying theme is an appreciation for the natural beauty of the area.

"I just saw two different people rescue a little baby turtle," said Ginger Hansel, "I realized that this trail makes people pay attention to nature; even little things like turtles." So, she wrote about that.

The board will be up through Friday. The Trail Foundation is also conducting a survey to help architects and designers draft ideas. That will be out Feb. 27.

Planners hope to get permitted for the restroom project by the end of 2013,  and begin construction shortly following.