Pathways Center – Pavilion & Bridge (Tule West)
2491 Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) The pavilion, called “Pathways Center ” is the principal information center for all of the Aransas Pathways projects. These include: Birding, History, Kayaking, and Hiking and Biking Trails. “Pathways Center” houses informational kiosks with interpretive signage explaining each Aransas Pathway project, with an open space for meetings and events. There is also a deck for relaxing and observing Tule Creek and the adjoining Shellcrete Birding and Nature site. Also known as Tule Creek West. The bridge connects the North and South sides of Tule Creek and the nature site. This facility functions as the trailhead for Pathways Eco-tourism projects in the Aransas County. Pathways Center is located on the west side of Highway 35 N and the intersection of Tule Creek. This is at the traffic light for the north entrance into Walmart. This land was leased from the City of Rockport and will serve as a birding site but will also be the information center for the Project. It includes a wooden bridge crossing Tule Creek linking the parking lot at the head of the City Hike and Bike trail to Shellcrete Historic Site and Birding Site. There is an open air pavilion with informative, interpretive signage describing the Aransas Pathways project for use by tourists and visitors. This pavilion has an excellent view of the creek and is expected to attract birders and photographers. It is also useful as a spot to stage local events and educational activities for our residents.
New Information Kiosk installed
Location: 28.023579, -97.052385, intersection of Live Oak and North streets, on the west side of the parking lot surrounding the railroad depot in downtown Rockport. (see map) Check out the new Aransas Pathways way-finding kiosk! Located in the heart of the Rockport Cultural Arts District behind the San Antonio Railroad Depot! Find your Pathway” at the brand new Aransas Pathways way-finding kiosk. Located behind the Railroad Depot in the Cultural Arts District. From the Rockport Pilot (http://www.rockportpilot.com/news/article_6e4960cc-0346-11ee-8b67-5f2c32ffea07.html): Aransas Pathways (AP) dedicated its newest information kiosk Thursday, June 1 with a ribbon cutting by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Bay Blazers. The new kiosk, which complements the major kiosks located at the Pathways Pavilion on Tule Creek, is located at the intersection of Live Oak and North streets, on the west side of the parking lot surrounding the railroad depot in downtown Rockport. AP Co-chairman De McLallen said the new kiosk, which directs people to AP sites, is located close to the geographic center of the county. “On behalf of AP, I thank Aransas County and the City of Rockport for all their support,” said McLallen. Aransas County Judge Ray Garza noted he started attending AP meetings about a year ago, and the concept for this new kiosk was introduced at the first meeting he attended. “Great job on the kiosk,” he said. “As simple as it is, it’s great,” he said. Pam Wheat-Stranahan said the new kiosk compliments the more detailed kiosks located at the Pathways Pavilion. “This kiosk is located on a great corridor,” she said. “We hope the AP (hike/bike trails) go from one end of the county to the other one day. That was our hope 12 years ago (when it all started).” One can take in the information found on the new kiosk, or simply take a picture of the QR code and download all pertinent AP information. “When the new courthouse and city hall are completed we want to put another one (kiosk) in Celebration Plaza,” said Wheat-Stranahan. The new kiosk should last quite a while. The current AP signs, installed up to 10-plus years ago, still look good, and are readable. “Almost all the AP signs survived Hurricane Harvey,” said McLallen.