[3] It is considered part of the larger Grand Valley Trail, a 250-kilometre (160 mi) route that runs along much of the length of the river.

[10] After construction, the trail was further supported by donors, whom received recognition and plaques in various public spaces.

[11] Later, the ownership and management of the trail was transferred to the cities of Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge.

[10] In June 2017, the Kitchener portion of the trail was temporarily closed due to flooding from the river.

[12] Beginning in 2020, a municipal initiative called Trail Mix, consisting of signs with QR codes linking to songs and poems, was implemented on the Walter Bean Trail.