Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt

Park Features

Stretching across 77 acres of Frisco greenspace, Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt offers two miles of paved trails that meander through wetlands, serene ponds, and natural areas. The greenbelt extends from Teel Parkway, passes under the Dallas North Tollway, and continues past Wakeland High School all the way to Legacy Drive.

The trails work well for a morning jog, a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or simply observing local wildlife in their element. You'll find platforms for fishing and wildlife observation scattered within the park, letting you get up close with nature. Cyclists will appreciate the thoughtful addition of a bike repair stand for those inevitable minor adjustments needed during a ride.

Natural Environment

Cottonwood Creek's ecosystem is a beautiful mix of off-channel ponds, Blackland Prairie, and wetlands. Situated in a floodplain that includes a floodway, this greenbelt represents a slice of natural Texas that's increasingly rare in urban settings.

The park maintains its wild character intentionally, with mowing limited to narrow strips alongside the trails to preserve the open meadows. Come spring and summer, the landscape transforms with wildflowers - vibrant firewheels, golden black-eyed Susans, and purple bergamots create natural tapestries throughout the space.

Wildlife thrives here, with ducks and cranes often spotted near the water features, while various bird species call the trees home. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even glimpse deer moving quietly through the underbrush. Informative placards along the path help you identify local birds and understand the environmental features that make this park special.

Amenities

The well-maintained paved trails provide smooth surfaces that work equally well for serious runners, casual walkers, bikers, or parents pushing strollers.

When you need a breather, benches and seating areas are thoughtfully placed along the route. For those looking to linger longer, picnic areas dot the greenbelt, including a particularly nice spot near a pond by the Teel Parkway entrance.

Families with children will appreciate the covered playground that offers a fun play space with natural shade from the surrounding trees - a welcome feature during Texas heat waves.

Recognition & Significance

The park's thoughtful design earned recognition from the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) in 2018, winning a statewide award for best park design in its population category.

Beyond awards, the greenbelt functions as a natural corridor in rapidly developing Frisco, providing habitat for local plants and animals while offering residents a connection to nature without leaving the city.

Visitor Information

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends to the greenbelt, but remember that dogs must stay on leash. While there's no dedicated parking lot, you can find street parking near the various trail entrances.

Be aware that some sections of the trail have minimal shade, so plan accordingly during hot summer days. Please note that there are no public restrooms within the greenbelt, so it's best to plan ahead for your visit.