More hiking and biking

Trinity Trails expand near buzzy new Fort Worth dining-shopping center

Trinity Trails Fort Worth, jogger, fall foliage, Waterside

The extension will get a proper dedication on November 14.

Fort Worth's Trinity Trails are going the extra mile. A one-mile extension of the beloved hike and bike path has opened at Waterside, a bustling dining and shopping complex. And a new car, bike, and pedestrian-friendly bridge connects Bellaire Drive to Watercourse Drive on the city's Southwest side, linking more than 40 miles of trails around Fort Worth.

According to a news release, Waterside’s developer, Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Company, worked with the Tarrant Regional Water District to build the $1.5 million bridge, which is a part of more than $3.5 million of public amenities on site.

Trademark also collaborated with nonprofit Streams & Valleys on enhancements to the trail extension, including new signage for joggers and cyclists and a large public art piece by Texas artist Bob "Daddy-O Wade" made from repurposed equipment from the original Lockheed Martin Recreation Association playgrounds.

Waterside offers direct access to Trinity Trails, which meander alongside the Trinity River.

“Five years ago, Trademark made a promise to work with TRWD and Streams & Valleys to help make this trail extension at Waterside a reality,” says Terry Montesi, CEO of Trademark, in the release. “We are proud of delivering on this commitment and all Waterside has done to add value to southwest Fort Worth.”

Waterside, which opened in 2016, is a 63-acre mixed-use development at Bryant Irvin Road and Arborlawn Drive. Phase one includes retail such as Whole Foods Market and REI, as well as chef Marcus Paslay's highly acclaimed Piattello Italian restaurant and eateries Taco Diner, Steel City Pops, and Tricky Fish.

The shopping, dining, and leisure destination is built around The Grove, a park-like oasis with access to the Trinity Trails that's tucked away in the center. Lush greenery surrounds locally made furniture and planters, with bocce ball and cornhole courts; public restrooms; free Wi-Fi; and a water cistern that collects rain water from the roof of Whole Foods Market.

At full build out, Waterside will be a walkable district with 200,000 square feet of retail space and riverside restaurants, 800 multi-family residential units, hotels, office buildings, and potential for additional high density single family housing — much of which will be situated along the Trinity River, the developer says.

“Trademark has long been a fantastic partner of Streams & Valleys, sharing our same passion to celebrate the Trinity River and Trinity Trails,” says Stacey Pierce, executive director of Streams & Valleys, in the release. “Their commitment to build this bridge at Waterside and extend the trails in this area has been something we have wanted to see happen for nearly 20 years.”

The new trail extension and bridge have opened but will be dedicated in a public ceremony with Mayor Betsy Price and Councilman Brian Byrd at 10:30 am November 14.

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Police News

Fort Worth police officer fired for unjustified use of force

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A Fort Worth police officer has been terminated following his involvement in a use of force incident. According to a release, Officer Matthew Krueger was let go on December 18, following an investigation into an incident involving someone who was videotaping his actions while he was on duty.

On Sunday, June 23, Fort Worth police officers responded to a hit-and-run collision near 1000 Foch St. The incident involved a suspected intoxicated driver who crashed into another vehicle and a structure before fleeing the scene on foot.

While officers were investigating, a woman approached them and used her cell phone to record their actions. Krueger asked and advised her multiple times to move across the street. When she failed to comply, she was placed under arrest.

During the arrest, Krueger used force to take the woman into custody, resulting in injuries that required medical care at an area hospital.

After being treated, the woman was released from the hospital, booked into jail, and charged with interference with public duties, resisting arrest and/or detention, evading arrest, and making a false alarm or report.

Krueger had been with the department for just under eight years and was assigned to the Patrol Bureau at the time of the incident.

The Fort Worth Police Major Case and Internal Affairs Units began immediate and congruent investigations. Krueger was transferred from Patrol to a unit with no public interaction, pending the outcome of the investigation.

After a review of the Internal Affairs investigation, Krueger’s chain of command determined that the level of force used was unjustified and violated departmental policy. Police Chief Neil Noakes concurred and terminated Krueger’s employment.

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