Outdoor spaces and other fun places
McKinney, Texas is well known for its fine arts, thriving culinary scene, and epic celebrations that bring the whole city together. But beyond the city’s cultural flair lies another treasure—its abundance of outdoor spaces. From miles of hiking and biking trails to lakeside adventures and wide-open play areas, McKinney offers something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re paddling a kayak, grilling with friends, or watching your kids explore a playground, you’ll find a park that fits the moment. Here are some of the most notable parks and outdoor escapes near Painted Tree
Bonnie Wenk Park
At 216 acres, Bonnie Wenk is one of McKinney’s largest and most versatile parks. Families love the all-abilities playground, the dog park, and the amphitheater for live performances. With a fitness court and miles of trails, it’s a hub for both play and wellness.
Town Lake Park
Centered around a 22-acre lake, this 108-acre park is perfect for paddling, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. It also features sand volleyball and horseshoe courts, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, plus an 18-hole disc golf course.
Finch Park
A 32-acre favorite for gatherings, Finch Park offers reservable picnic pavilions with grills, making it ideal for celebrations. You’ll also find volleyball, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, a whimsical 0.8-mile “story” trail, and a splash pad to cool off on hot days.
Dr. Charles B. McKissick Park
Though smaller at 7 acres, McKissick Park is big on activity. Inclusive play structures, swings, and open lawns invite kids and families to get moving, while shaded picnic pavilions offer a spot to recharge.
Gabe Nesbitt Community Park
This 160-acre destination is all about variety. It features a sports complex, skatepark, indoor/outdoor aquatic center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a pavilion. Trails connect to the Cottonwood Creek and Eldorado paths, making it a perfect launch point for longer adventures.
Parks that let you get away
Erwin Park
With more than 212 acres of rugged Texas prairie, Erwin Park is the go-to for mountain biking, camping, and spotting native wildlife. Its trails and bike skills area make it a favorite for those who like their nature with a wild side.
Inspiration Park
This 10-acre hideaway lives up to its name, offering a peaceful walking trail surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the kind of place where you simply slow down, breathe deep, and let nature take the lead.
John M. Whisenant Park
Whisenant Park’s 10 acres provide quiet shade and open green space—ideal for a walk, a book, or a little time outdoors. Simple, serene, and refreshingly unhurried.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Spanning 289 acres, the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary is McKinney’s crown jewel for nature lovers. Visitors can explore diverse habitats on more than six miles of hiking trails, spot native birds and wildlife, and discover interactive exhibits at the museum. It’s the perfect blend of education and outdoor adventure.
Painted Tree Parks & Trails
If you happen to call Painted Tree home, you have over 200 acres of parks and restored natural space to explore along miles of paved and natural-surface trails. When it’s time to get back to civilization, poolside relaxation awaits at the Village Trailhead, and soon the Lakeside Trailhead. And festive gatherings large and small at The Outpost community hub.
Resources
City of McKinney Parks & Recreation – Official information on parks, trails, and facilities.
McKinney Parks & Trails Map – Interactive map to explore trails, greenways, and park amenities.
Bonnie Wenk Park – Details about the all-abilities playground, dog park, amphitheater, and more.
Town Lake Recreation Area – Lake access, trails, and disc golf.
Erwin Park – Camping, mountain biking trails, and natural prairie landscape.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary – Explore trails and wildlife habitats
Visit McKinney – Visitor resources, event guides, and attractions around McKinney.
The head start to a happy life
One of the most important ingredients in a good life is a good education. Not necessarily because of higher earning potential (although that helps) but because a curious mind is a happy mind. Research indicates that curiosity is linked to greater well-being and life satisfaction, as it encourages exploration and personal growth.
At Painted Tree, children benefit from access to the McKinney Independent School District, known for its commitment to academic excellence, competitive sports and the arts. Additionally — because not all kids learn the same way — families have excellent private and charter school options. In McKinney, this means that every child can find an educational environment that fosters curiosity and happiness.
Public and Charter Schools in McKinney, TX
McKinney North High School
McKinney North High School stands out with its AP Gold Award from the College Board, reflecting its commitment to advanced academics. The school also boasts a strong performing arts program, with students earning top honors at the Texas Thespians Festival.
McKinney Boyd High School
Recognized with the AP Silver Award, McKinney Boyd High School offers a robust curriculum, including AP courses and the Project Lead The Way program. The school’s orchestra has performed at the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
Scott Johnson Middle School
Scott Johnson Middle School excels with its AVID program, preparing students for college readiness. The school’s AVID coordinator, Tiffany Scott, was honored as the 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year for McKinney ISD
Cockrill Middle School
Cockrill Middle School has been re-designated as a Texas School to Watch, highlighting its excellence in academic achievement and student development. The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Texas.
Lizzie Nell Cundiff McClure Elementary
Ranked within the top 20% of public schools in Texas, McClure Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program and maintains a strong connection with the community to support student success.
Minshew Elementary School
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, Minshew Elementary has been recognized for its dedication to student health and wellness, earning the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Award. The school fosters a collaborative environment where teachers, parents, and students work together to achieve high academic standards.
Imagine International Academy of North Texas
This K–12 public charter school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. In 2023, 100% of its graduating class earned the IB Diploma, surpassing the global average of 79.3%, and collectively received over $4.2 million in scholarships.
Private and Faith-Based Schools in McKinney, TX
North Texas Christian Academy
North Texas Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education with a low student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1, allowing for personalized instruction. The academy emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.
McKinney Christian Academy
McKinney Christian Academy offers a comprehensive college-preparatory program, integrating biblical principles across its curriculum. The school provides individualized college planning starting in middle school to ensure students are well-prepared for higher education.
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Operating as a University-Model® School, Cornerstone Christian Academy blends traditional classroom instruction with at-home learning. Students attend classes on campus three days a week, promoting both academic rigor and family involvement.
Alternative Education in McKinney, TX
Learning Tree Montessori
Learning Tree Montessori embraces the Montessori philosophy, focusing on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. The school provides a nurturing environment that respects each child’s individual learning journey.
Where will your child thrive academically, socially, and personally?
From top-tier public schools and innovative charter options to faith-based academies and Montessori learning, McKinney, Texas offers a wide array of educational opportunities. Whether you’re new to the area or exploring new paths for your child’s learning journey, these McKinney schools exemplify the city’s commitment to excellence in education.
In a remarkable place so closely connected to the wilds of nature, something equally remarkable has just
occurred. The Outpost, Painted Tree’s newest community gathering space, opened in the heart of our
Lakeside District on Friday, April 4th, right on time to help us welcome in the spring season.
Inspired by National Parks, The Outpost is designed to evoke a sense of discovery and wonder. With an
expansive covered porch for parties and concerts, a lookout tower for sunsets over the trees, the
Woodland Grove and Lakeside trailheads leading to a larger 25-mile trail network. There’s also a large
grassy lawn, play area and a food truck court. In the center of it all, the quiet elegance of a bended tree.
You’ll also find the brand new headquarters of our Community Engagement Team there. Stop by to learn
more about trailside living or our upcoming neighborhood events and programs. Or even just to casually
say hello. A member of the team will be happy to greet you.
The Outpost is as much of a retreat as an added extension of your home. With new ideas about wellness
and togetherness, connection and belonging. Being home to such signature amenities, it’s easy to see
why Painted Tree is one of the most sought-after home communities in McKinney, TX.
Explore new homes in our trailside community, and make Painted Tree your home in 2025.
A thriving new home community continues to climb the ranks.
In just a short time, we’ve made a name for ourselves among homebuyers and industry experts alike. Designed to celebrate nature, connection, and community, Painted Tree has quickly become one of the most sought-after places to live in McKinney, TX. And now, two major real estate rankings confirm what our residents already know—this is a truly special place to call home.
According to John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC), we are the top-selling master-planned community in Dallas-Fort Worth and rank 27th nationwide. Meanwhile, RCLCO places us at No. 30 among the country’s best-selling communities. These rankings reflect not just strong home sales but also the undeniable attraction of a community built around nature, trails, and a sense of belonging.
So, what makes Painted Tree stand out?
For one, it’s the perfect blend of modern living and outdoor adventure. With over 200 acres of preserved open space, nature-woven trails, a scenic lake, and three National Park-inspired community hubs, residents have endless opportunities to explore and connect. The Village Trailhead amenity center is already open and welcoming families, while The Outpost and the Lakeside Trailhead & Pool will open soon, bringing even more vibrancy and gathering opportunities to the neighborhood.
Another reason? Our location. McKinney continues to shine as one of Texas’ most desirable cities, offering top-rated schools, a thriving downtown, and easy access to the best of DFW.
Earning a place on these prestigious lists so quickly is an honor, but this is just the beginning. As we grow, so will our amenities, our trails, and the opportunities for residents to build lasting connections.
With momentum on our side, the best is yet to come.
Interested in making Painted Tree your home? Be sure to explore the new homes available in our trailside community.
What a year we had at McKinney’s trailside community. Here’s a look back at some of Painted Tree’s major 2024 milestones and a look ahead at some exciting things coming in 2025.
The Woodland District, our third and final village opened. As did new model homes by Bloomfield Homes and Drees Custom Homes. CB JENI Homes and Coventry Homes are also now selling new homes in the Woodland District.
Construction on our signature amenity, The Outpost, began midway through the year and crews are now putting the finishing touches on it. This spring, folks will be gathering for parties on the covered porch, climbing to treetop sunsets on the lookout tower, playing in the adventure park and heading out on the Lakeside trails from here.
Lakeside Trailhead, our community’s third and final amenity center, construction has also begun. Swimming, pool parties, playtime and more will commence this summer.
Miles of trails are now woven through Painted Tree. In fact, all of Painted Tree’s trails south of Wilmeth Road are done. Including a pedestrian bridge connecting the Lakeside and Village districts. Completion of the entire network of paved and natural surface trails is anticipated this year—welcoming riders, runners, hikers and strollers.
Painted Tree’s Chief Engagement Officer, Pam Shields, hosted dozens of resident events for Painted Tree residents throughout 2024, culminating in an epic series of holiday celebrations. Including a parade through Historic Downtown McKinney, stories and sweets with Mrs. Claus, a Christmas Tree lighting, and a photo op with the big guy himself.
Perhaps, the most exciting milestone of all is that over 700 families made the decision to call Painted Tree their home in 2024 — ranking Painted Tree at number 27 in top-selling master planned communities nationwide, according to a recent John Burns study, and number one in the Dallas Fort Worth area. With so many great things happening here, it’s easy to see why.
Explore new homes in our trailside community, and make Painted Tree your home in 2025.
No one does nature the way we do it.
The Outpost, Village Trailhead and Lakeside Trailhead are given as examples of next-generation community comforts in a recent Dallas Business Journal article. These, along with Painted Tree’s miles of paved and singletrack trails and lake, are some of North Dallas’ most nature-centric and beautifully designed amenities. In other words, in addition to the pool, pool house and gathering spaces that bring neighbors together, Painted Tree has plenty of places to get away.
Read the full article here and be sure to check out the photo gallery.
Discover a wide selection of quick move-in new homes at Painted Tree, where many of our builders are offering limited-time incentives combined with interest rates at their lowest in 18 months, owning the home you’ve always wanted is something you no longer have to wait for. Act fast to take advantage of these builder promotions. And ask your builder for more details.
- CB JENI Homes: 4.99% interest rate and $6,000 in closing costs. Details here.
- Drees Custom Homes: Rates starting as low as 4.99% (5.052% APR) with fixed rate financing for qualifying quick move-in homes that close by November 30, 2024 with First Equity Mortgage Inc. Offer available October 1-31, 2024. And receive up to $25,000 in financing assistance when you build. Details on both here.
- Highland Homes (Nearly sold out at Painted Tree!): Purchase any home in DFW and receive $20,000 to lower your interest rate. Offer available October 1 – December 31, 2024. Must finance with Highland HomeLoans to qualify. Details here.
- Normandy Homes: 4.99% (5.079% APR) 3-Year fixed rate, plus $10,000 toward closing costs. Details here.
- Trophy Signature Homes: 5.49% fixed rate + $10,000 towards closing costs. Offer valid on select homes that contract by October 15. Details here.
- Tri Pointe Homes: First Year Rate of 2.99% (5.554% APR) on a Conv. 30 year Fixed 2-1 Buydown. Details here.
- Southgate Homes: Up to $45,000 in design center options plus $10,000 toward closing costs. Details here.
- Centre Living Homes, Coventry Homes & David Weekley Homes: Contact these builders for additional limited-time offers that may be going on.
Don’t miss out on these limited time special opportunities from some of our builders at Painted Tree! Reach out to a builder directly to get the latest on any other available incentives that may be happening now.
View all homes in Painted Tree
Quick update on Painted Tree’s next amenity center
The Outpost, the heart and soul of Painted Tree, is progressing nicely. Structures like the two-story tree-top slide are going up. The adventure park and playground are going in. And the whole area should be party-ready before the end of the calendar year. An event celebrating the opening is soon to follow on the Outpost’s covered porch.
If you happen to notice some similarities between The Outpost’s aesthetic and that of our great National Parks, that’s by design. Inspired by our national gathering spaces, in both form and function, the architecture gives the whole area a sense of discovery. Since the site is also the trailhead for both the Woodland Grove and Lakeside trails, it also sparks a sense of adventure.
Take a virtual tour of The Outpost here.
Turns out a lot of people are quickly discovering Painted Tree and deciding to call our trailside community in McKinney, Texas, home. Although we’re only in our second year of existence, Painted Tree was recently ranked #39 in the nation by RCLCO as a top-selling community, and #2 in North Texas. But why Painted Tree? Well, we think it’s a combination of things.
1. Diverse Home Options
One of the main things contributing to Painted Tree’s popularity is its variety of new homes. Something for everyone. The community offers a range of architectural styles by 12 trusted homebuilders—each contributing to the range of housing options—townhomes, single-family homes, and homes for lease in all shapes and sizes starting from the $400s.
2. Exceptional Amenities
Take a walk inspired through the woods and by the water. Your home, here, gives you access to Painted Tree’s nature-forward plan and top-notch amenities. Most notably, the beautifully wild trails that connect you to Painted Tree lake and the Village Trailhead pool and playground. And (as of this writing) the soon-to-be-open Outpost, where events of all kinds are sure to bring the community together and the Lakeside Trailhead pool coming in 2025.
3. Prime Location
Situated in McKinney, Texas, the community benefits from the city’s creative vibe and sense of community. Painted Tree is just three short miles from historic downtown, so great chef-run restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries, cultural events and live music are just minutes away. Not to mention nearby employment hubs.
4. Quality of Life
The ranking of Painted Tree as a top-selling community reflects the high quality of life offered here. With a focus on creating a harmonious nature-rich, trail-woven environment, Painted Tree promotes well-being and a sense of community among its residents. And this is just the beginning. New amenities and trails are expected to open later this year. In 2025 and even more home choices are coming, too.
What this means for you
Being ranked #39 in the nation by RCLCO is not just a number it’s a testament to the community’s appeal. The eye test. And proof that it’s a great place to live. If you’re looking to buy a home, this ranking signals that Painted Tree is a place you might want to consider. And, of course, we’d love to have you out for a visit. To explore the model homes and ride the trails. You’re always welcome.
McKinney, Texas, has earned a prestigious spot among the safest cities in America. According to a recent study titled “50 Safest and Most Affordable US Cities To Live In,” Painted Tree’s home city came in at number 15.
The ranking was based on a comprehensive analysis of crime rates and cost of living across the largest U.S. cities. The crime data, sourced from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer for 2022, shows McKinney’s crime rates are significantly lower than many other cities. McKinney stands out not only for its low crime rates but also for its overall affordability.
This impressive safety record is a testament to the city’s effective law enforcement and community-focused initiatives.
One thing the study doesn’t measure is how friendly the people are. Yet it’s all part of the big picture because when you find a place that’s safe, friendly is sure to follow. Along with a sense of welcome.
In other words, McKinney is an exceptional place to live, and Painted Tree is lucky to be located just 3 miles north of historic downtown. Explore Painted Tree’s variety of homes for sale and you’ll see how beautifully affordability pairs with a welcoming vibe.
Source: https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/safe-suburbs-mckinney-frisco/
