At Purtis Creek State Park in Eustace, Texas, Park Superintendent Aaron Johnston faced a common challenge shared by many park managers: how to improve trail accessibility while maintaining natural beauty and minimizing maintenance. In collaboration with the Get Outside Alliance and Texas Parks & Wildlife, Johnston found an ideal solution in DirtGlue®, an eco-friendly polymer binder that could stabilize natural materials to create durable, accessible surfaces.
The project focused on the Green trailhead, where volunteers and park staff worked together to mix decomposed granite with DirtGlue®. The mixture was applied to form a smooth, solid walkway that is now fully ADA-compliant, providing a safe and reliable surface for all visitors, including those using wheelchairs and mobility aids. By incorporating DirtGlue® into the granite, the team was able to create a trail that resists erosion and compaction, keeping the surface firm and navigable through all seasons and weather conditions.
A volunteer workday in May 2025 brought together community members and staff to complete the project, an event organized by the Get Outside Alliance with full support from Johnston’s team. Volunteers were provided with tools, safety gear, and a shared meal, reflecting the collaborative spirit that has come to define projects at Purtis Creek.
The results speak for themselves. The new walkway offers enhanced accessibility for all visitors, while reducing the long-term maintenance burden on park staff. DirtGlue®’s ability to bind soil and aggregates delivers a low-maintenance solution that preserves the park’s natural aesthetics while meeting modern accessibility standards.
For Johnston, the success of this project is about more than just the materials, it’s about fulfilling the park’s mission of universal access. ““The mission of Texas State Parks is to provide outdoor recreational experiences for present and future generations” he reflected about the project.
By thoughtfully applying DirtGlue® Industrial, Purtis Creek State Park now stands as a model for how parks and public spaces can enhance accessibility and sustainability with simple, effective materials and strong community involvement.