An emphasis on trails and nature areas will dominate the improvements to two Arlington park developments this summer.

Upgrades to the Southwest Nature Preserve and Bowman Branch Linear Park, both located in south Arlington, will allow more access into rugged locations designed to help residents relax and decompress during their recreational time.

"Trails and nature areas have always been one of the top requests from our residents," said Matt Young, the assistant director of park operations. "And we want people to take their kids out and be a part of nature."

Young said the City hopes to add another 17 miles of trails over the next 20 years. In the meantime, new features within the City's already established nature developments will be unveiled in June.

The Southwest Nature Preserve is a 58-acre tract just south of Interstate 20 and adjacent to Bowman Springs Drive in southwest Arlington. It has one large and two smaller ponds, several significant native plant communities and a high bluff located on sandstone outcroppings with dramatic views.

A new development within the preserve will include a lighted parking lot and a new concrete walkway that will run from the parking lot to the lower pond. The walkway will lead to a boardwalk that will feature a fishing pier and built-in benches.

A terraced outdoor seating and education area will be located off the new walkway and will overlook the west end of the lower pond. New picnic tables will be included in an area adjacent to the new walkway. The project is expected to be substantially complete by June 17.

Along southeast Arlington's Bowman Branch Linear Park, the new Bowman Branch Trail will run eastward from Tin Cup Drive approximately two miles to Webb Community Park.

Traffic lights will be installed where the trail crosses Matlock Road and Mansfield-Webb Road. The trail will run through Don Misenhimer Park and connect to Mansfield Timberview High School.

A bridge will provide safe crossing of Bowman Branch Creek, and there will be several benches and picnic tables installed at various spots along the trail. The portion of the trail that runs from Tin Cup Drive to Matlock Road is expected to be complete by June 12.

In northwest Arlington, a new playground and other amenities will be completed at Pirie Park in August. Improvements include new playground equipment, a concrete trail loop with wheelchair access from the street, seating, fitness equipment stations, and improved drainage across the site.

The improvements are part of the City's overall parks master plan. A parks survey also was conducted recently for future projects and to determine satisfaction with parks operations.

Officials also said that the citywide skatepark planned for Vandergriff Park is progressing.

The 20,000-square-foot facility would serve all skill levels of riders. Construction could start by the end of the summer with the facility open by early next year, Young said.