On May 2, The Trinity Trust hosted “Toast to the Trails” at the Trinity River Audubon Center, while also celebrating a private groundbreaking for the Margaret McDermott Bridge. More than 140 people attended the dinner to hear about the new plans for the trails and the latest developments on the Trinity project, which includes construction on the Margaret McDermott Bridge (I-30).

Mary McDermott Cook, chair of The Trinity Trust, talked about the Trinity project, particularly since work began on the Horseshoe Project, which includes the Margaret McDermott Bridge. “What Santiago and Tina Calatrava have given us is a hike and bike trail. The Margaret McDermott Bridge, with the biking and pedestrian elements designed by Calatrava, will allow more connectivity to the Southern White Rock Creek," Cook said.

Mayor Mike Rawlings and former Mayor Laura Miller stood beside McDermott as she broke ground on the turf of a scale model of the McDermott Bridge.

Rawlings said, “This second signature bridge signals the gateway into the great urban forest. Being Mayor of Dallas has opened Micki’s and my eyes. It’s amazing that we have this forest in the city of Dallas.” He also talked about how trails are becoming increasingly important in Dallas as more people use them to hike, bike, walk and run.

Dr. Gail Thomas, president and CEO of The Trinity Trust, added, “We are so appreciative of Margaret McDermott and her generous spirit. Both the bridge and the new trails will only elevate Dallas’ reputation as one with exceptional architectural bridges and outdoor hike and bike trails.”

The Trinity Trust will launch a fundraising campaign for the trails in the near future.

Some highlights include:

• 14.3-mile trail from the “Audubon to the Arboretum”
• Multi-million dollar trail through the Great Trinity Forest
• First portion of this trail announced and named the AT&T Trail – paid $2.5 million
• Trail will connect communities not previously connected
• Trail will include trailheads, benches, landscaping, poetry, and other amenities

Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres along with a special “Margaretini” in honor of the new bridge. The centerpieces were replicas of the new bridge. Catered by Bolsa, the dinner included beef tenderloin and sea bass served on southwestern grits. A three-piece orchestra played classical music.

Ross Perot added, “Who else would deserve to have a bridge named after her than Margaret McDermott? She deserves it.” He then led the crowd in the British tradition of three hip, hip hoorays in Mrs. McDermott’s honor.

Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm said to Margaret McDermott, “Your generosity has changed the face of the city. You inspire us... you make us better.”

Those in attendance included the namesake of the bridge, Margaret McDermott, who summed up the appreciation of those who came: “I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for Dallas today. How fortunate we are to live in Dallas. And so many projects are being achieved because of the hard work of so many in this city.”

Others in attendance included U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, Margot and Ross Perot, Lyda Hill, Mary Suhm, Micki Rawlings, Holly Reed, Carol and Don Glendenning, Vera and Bob Thornton, Craig Holcomb, Ben Jones, Marnie and Kern Wildenthal, Margaret Crow, Garrett Boone, Catherine and Will Rose, Lynn and Allan McBee, and Emily and Steve Summers.

For more information can be found by calling 214.740.1616, by emailing info@thetrinitytrust.org, or by clicking here.