Donation completes capital improvement drive for Lady Bird Lake boardwalk project

The donation was announced at a ceremony on July 10. St. David's Foundation CEO Earl Maxwell said the St. David's Foundation chose to donate to the cause because the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is an accessible, low-cost way for the community to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

"365 days a year there is activity on this trail," Maxwell said.

The boardwalk project is also a safety enhancement, he said, because it will prevent runners from having to use Riverside Drive to connect to the trail on the east side of I-35. Maxwell said he and his late dog, Bugsy, used to run on the trail frequently, and they were almost hit by a car that hopped the curb after being involved with an accident.

"Bugsy and I came within 3 inches of our life," Maxwell said.

The Trail Foundation raised $5.3 million in its Campaign for the Trail, with $3 million specifically going toward the boardwalk project. The donation from the St. David's Foundation is earmarked specifically for the boardwalk project.

"We are tremendously grateful to St. David's Foundation for all it does for the Central Texas community, and in particular, for today's generous donation, which brings us across the finish line in this significant campaign," said Susan Rankin, executive director of The Trail Foundation, in a news release.