Parks and Trails

Allen's thriving local park system provides its residents and visitors with access to an active outdoor lifestyle.

Our goal is to develop outdoor recreation spaces accessible by all residents, while ensuring a balanced park and open space system that preserves quality, natural open spaces and protects valuable ecosystems. 

Two women walking on Cottonwood Creek Trail Bridge
1,364
ACRES OF PARK LAND
67
PARKS & FACILITIES

79.23

MILES OF HIKE & BIKE TRAILS

Master Plan: All residents will be within one-half mile of a park

Master plans

Urban forestry

In Allen, urban forestry includes public care, maintenance and growth of trees, greenbelts, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, perennials and wildflowers. A variety of educational initiatives are also part of the urban forestry efforts.

  • Arbor Day: Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Allen Parks and Recreation hosts an annual Arbor Day Celebration the last Saturday in October. The location changes each year and includes the dedication and planting of an official Arbor Day tree. The celebration includes tee plantings and educational arts and crafts.
  • Tree City USA designation: City of Allen has earned the Tree City USA designation every year since 2002 by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To receive the designation, the City met four basic standards which included designation of a Tree Board, establishment of a community tree ordinance, implementation of a community forestry program with a designated operating budget, and hosting an annual observance of Arbor Day along with an Arbor Day proclamation by the City Council. In Allen, the Parks and Recreation Board also serves as the official Tree Board. The community tree ordinance was established as Section 7.06, Tree Preservation, Allen Land Development Code in 2001.