The initiative was in response to a mandate by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that states begin enforcing portions of the federal Clean Water Act that deals with surface water quality. Problems that have been found in Salado Creek include low levels of dissolved oxygen, elevated levels of diazinon, and elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria. In October '98, record floods left a band of destruction and debris in Salado Creek, stripping some sections of vegetative cover and leaving them vulnerable to erosion. Since waterway greenbelts can provide recreational opportunities in dry times and are a hedge against flood damage during heavy rains, city leaders began working toward a bond issue to preserve both Salado Creek and Leon Creek for flood control and city parks. The project will take about two years to complete and will link the city's Willow Springs golf course with MLK Park, DaFoste Park, J Street Park, and the county's Comanche Park.
Residents are excited about the prospect of using the trail for jogging and bike riding.
There will be a lighted 10 foot wide concrete trail, landscaping, and trail markers. The city is also installing trails wherever it can as part of regularly scheduled drainage work along Salado Creek. Just before his death in April 2000, renowned art collector Robert Tobin arranged for donation of his 60 acres along Salado Creek to the City to help realize the dream of a a linear park. Tobin was an important benefactor of many nationally renowned cultural institutions and was a very environmentally conscious person before environmental sensitivity was an issue. The land between Austin Hwy and Loop 410 and east of Ira Lee Drive will be known as Robert L. B. Tobin Park.