City of Kyle announce expanded trail network and development of The Vybe

KYLE — The Vybe is Kyle’s newest and boldest project to design and construct an 80-mile paved path to connect all neighborhoods in city to business, recreation and entertainment destinations.

Kyle City Council recently voted to approve four items that will further the progress of the The Vybe trail system and expand the city’s natural trail system by funding engineering services, amending City Code as it relates to The Vybe, and allowing golf cart use on The Vybe.

In September of 2021, the Kyle City Council approved a Citywide Trails Master Plan that prioritized trail-oriented development that works independently and with developers to create an 80+ mile network of trails connecting across the city.  The trail system will also intersect with the Emerald Crown Trail, which connects Austin to San Antonio via collaboration with the Great Springs Project.

The goal of the Vybe is to improve connectivity throughout the city and allow use of golf carts to make travel easier, more reliable, and safer. The paved path and trail developments will serve as an extension of the city’s park and transportation systems and aims to connect residents and visitors to recreation, commerce, and unique experiences via individual “vybes” throughout the trail where visitors can shop, eat, and access amenities like parking and restrooms.

Additions will include constructing 12-foot-wide paved paths while expanding and improving existing natural trails. The paved path will be illuminated and ADA accessible. The Vybe will also include signage and have multiple entrance points along the path to enable easy access throughout the city.

Visitors and residents will have access to bird watching stations, kiosks, and benches as well as Wi-Fi, golf cart parking and charging stations at vybes.

“We’re hoping this expansion of our trail system will not only serve as an extension of the city’s park system but also connect people from all over the city to recreation and unique experiences,” Mayor Travis Mitchell said. “It is ultimately an investment in our residents’ quality of life.”

The initial funding for the project will come from the approved capital improvement program budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the $2 million bond Kyle residents approved in 2020 for east Kyle trails, and potentially $2 million from Hays County.

The City of Kyle is conducting a consumer interest survey for the Vybe. Go to CityofKyle.com/Vybe to take the survey or to learn more about the Citywide Trail System.