Multiple Agencies Join Forces for Rails to Trails Clean-up Project

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Multiple Agencies Join Forces for Rails to Trails Clean-up Project

March 21

08:57 2025

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A joint clean-up effort along the Rails to Trails pathway cleared significant trash and debris from encampments created by unhoused community members, preparing the area for its upcoming reopening following bridge repairs.

This clean up was organized between Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Mineral Wells Police Dept and the Center of Life after numerous reports of trail users feeling unsafe with the number of homeless camps, and the amount of litter near these areas. We coordinated efforts for a large clean up day and it was a huge success!

The operation took place on March 19th, which began at 9 a.m. at two sites off SE Industrial Parkway.

Crews removed mattresses, shopping carts, clothing and waste from areas that had become problematic.

“We are proud to have been able to aid in organizing this clean-up effort with the assistance of so many different groups and city departments,” Mineral Wells Police Chief Tim Denison said. “Keeping our community safe and clean is a top priority, and today highlighted the power of collaboration in achieving that mission.”

Multiple city departments helped, including Fire & EMS, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Library, Airport, Main Street and City Administrative Staff.

The Mineral Wells Center of Life contributed personnel and volunteers, while local businesses provided support. Frontier Waste Solutions donated a dumpster for the day, and Walmart supplied water, sports drinks, sandwiches and snacks for volunteers.

“We are excited to see this portion of the Rails to Trails system reopened and look forward to our citizens and visitors alike being able to take advantage of this incredible resource our community has to offer,” Denison said.

The Trailway is currently closed while a major bridge replacement, and a major vegetation clean up is underway.

State Park Superintendent Nikki Elms said the cleanup event was a huge success and they are getting ready to open the bridge again.

“We hope to have it fully back open to the public in April,” said Elms.