Today SPRING 2015
KRPA
KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
Kansas Trails
Nearly 3,000 miles statewide and growing.
American Discovery Trail: A Kansas Resource with Untapped Potential!
Land and Water Conservation Fund, Recreational Trails Program
In Focus: Parks and Natural Resources Branch
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Today
KRPA
KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
Our Mission To advance park and recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life through education, communication and advocacy.
Our Vision The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is THE SOURCE for information which advances parks and recreation in the State of Kansas and beyond. An affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association Kansas Recreation and Park Association 700 SW Jackson St. Suite 805, Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.krpa.org 785-235-6533
Contents Perspective: From the President......................................... 5 Around Kansas................................................................ 8-10 Parks and Natural Resources Branch................................ 9 Elevating Communities: Land and Water Conservation Fund, Recreation Trails Program........10-11 What Constitutes a Trail?................................................... 12 Kansas Trails Council, Outdoorskansas.org................... 13 The American Discovery Trail......................................14-15
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KRPA Board of Directors President – Jimmy Gibbs (Lawrence) President Elect – Brian Bascue (Newton) Past President – Diann Henderson (Great Bend) Secretary/Treasurer – Jeff Stewart (Gardner) Administration Branch – Chris Claxton (Leawood) Aquatics Branch – Jennifer Wegener (Shawnee County) Marketing/Customer Service Branch- Nicole Asquith (Olathe) Park Law Enforcement Branch – Kim Jones (KDWPT) Park and Natural Resources – Ramie Degraeve (Shawnee) Recreation Branch – Candi Fox (Winfield) Sports Branch – Nick Leon (Holcomb) TR/Aging – Rhonda Pollard (Johnson County)
Members At Large West – Eric Jantz (Holcomb) Central - Tony Finlay (Hutchinson) East - Dave Smothers ( Merriam)
Committees/Ex Officio Awards – Caite Kendrick (Ft. Riley) Conference Planning - Brian Bascue ( Newton) Citizen Board – Kim Galbraith (Blue Valley) Conference Planning – Jimmy Gibbs (Lawrence) Professional Development – Steve Herrig (Blue Valley) Public Policy – Scott Schoon (Winfield) / Nancy Wallerstein (Johnson County) Colleges and Universities – Janice Jewett (Pittsburg) Parliamentarian – Steve Friend (Baldwin City) KDWPT – Linda Lanterman (Pratt) KRPA Executive Director – Erika Devore
Most Dependable Fountains................ Inside Front Cover Cunningham Recreation...................................................... 4 D. Gerber Commercial Pool Products and Service.......... 3 John Deere.............................................................................. 7 Musco Lighting..................................................................... 4 Power Play.............................................................................. 9 PUSH PEDAL PULL........................................... Back Cover R.J. Thomas.......................................................................... 15 Please support our advertisers, they make this publication possible. For information on advertising, contact Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111 or info@pernsteiner.com.
On The Cover: NATRC (North American Trail Ride Conference) riders crossing Buffalo Creek in Horsethief Canyon.
Editorial Staff Managing Editor – Erika Devore Contributing Staff – Bonnie Simon
Editorial Committee Chair – Chris Claxton (Leawood) Roger Steinbrock (Lawrence) Paul Lewis (Dodge City) Kelby Hellwig (Johnson County)
Randy Knight (Johnson County) Dawn Harmon (Blue Valley) Chris Umphres (Great Bend)
This magazine is the official quarterly publication of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary as part of membership in KRPA. The editorial committee encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication. Articles of approximately 1,000 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity.
Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising: Summer: June 30, 2015 Winter: December 15, 2015
Fall: September 30, 2015 Spring: April 7, 2016
KRPA reserves the right to approve all advertising in Kansas Recreation and Park Association. All requests for advertising should be made to Todd Pernsteiner, Account Manager, at 952-841-1111 or info@pernsteiner.com.
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KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 3
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4 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org
Perspective By Jimmy Gibbs, KRPA President
Any way you look at it, parks, trails and recreational opportunities are the social, health and wellness lifeline of any community. By the time you read this, spring will be in full bloom and summer will be just a few short weeks away. All across Kansas, the sounds of spring sports and kids on playgrounds soon will be joined by swimming lessons, walks on trails and the energy of cheerleading camps. This month we explore the value of parks and trails. The benefits range from the increased beauty of our neighborhoods to improved health and wellness to the overall economic value to our communities. I recently had the opportunity to visit Nevada, MO, a rural town of just over 8,300 residents in southwest Missouri, that is working to change their future. Town leaders and residents recognized the need for a healthier lifestyle—and championed a plan to make that happen. The initiative, titled Healthy Nevada, had a vision to improve the health of the whole county, while reducing their overall health costs. It’s no surprise that access to parks and trails was a big part of the plan. Through community engagement, Nevada leaders found interesting results for why people weren’t using their parks—or even getting out and walking: Dogs. Up until a couple years ago, Nevada was a community that had no leash laws. Roaming dogs, and the fear of often-aggressive confrontations, was a significant barrier for people walking to and using city parks. With a new ordinance requiring dogs to be on leashes, residents felt much more secure and park usage is on the rise. Another barrier to walking was access to trails. Nevada had no wheelchair accessible or bike and stroller-friendly concrete or asphalt trails. This year Nevada will construct its very first trail, made possible through a grant from a local benefactor. This half-mile, hard surface trail will be the first step in a master plan
that will help connect neighborhoods to parks while providing much needed healthy activities for all ages. Any way you look at it, parks, trails and recreational opportunities are the social, health and wellness lifeline of any community. And in Kansas, we do a pretty good job of engaging our communities and creating activities and spaces that make our lives a whole lot better. Did you know that Kansas has over 625 incorporated cities? Even more interesting is that only about 35 towns in Kansas have more than 10,000 residents. When you look at that, it’s apparent how the vast majority of our state is represented by often remote and rural communities—no different than our neighbors in Nevada. But no matter what size of community, we all face the similar challenge to meet the needs of an ever-changing future of parks and recreation. The saying, “How we serve is just as important as who we serve” has never been more significant. When I took office in January, I spoke about the power of influence—both in how we are influenced and how we influence others. Whether large or small, in each of our communities, parks and recreation is an essential community service. As an association, KRPA is working hard to help support diversity in community size, cultures and heritage all for a common goal—bringing our communities together and providing a sense of what is familiar, safe and secure. One of the groups that is working to reach this goal—and one that I’m very proud of—is the Young Professionals Committee. These young folks are the future of the parks and recreation profession in Kansas. Through various networking and educational events, the YP’s are taking an active role in the growth of our chosen profession. If you’re reading this and are established
in the field, I encourage you to reach out and become a mentor. The simple act of sharing your experiences with a young professional is an influence that can last a lifetime. I hope that each of us feels some responsibility of grooming these leaders of tomorrow. If we can help show them how we’ve been successful through networking and involved community engagement, and give them other tools to be successful, our future will be so much brighter. The YP’s are dynamic and dedicated. Instead of waiting until they’re older before becoming active, they’re taking the bull by the horns! Truly pioneers in the field! Speaking of pioneers… If you haven’t been to Dodge City lately, it’s more than cattle drives and rodeos (not that those are bad things!) A historic, bustling community built along the Santa Fe Trail, Dodge City holds a rich history of livestock, railroads and characters both famous and infamous. Much like the early days of Kansas cow towns, Dodge City will be our gathering place for education, camaraderie and an energetic night life as the 2016 KRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show commences next February. KRPA conference planning chair Brian Bascue and his team are creating a conference that will feature remarkable educational sessions and a Wild West experience that will no doubt live up to its internationally famous past. Please take the opportunity now to plan your travels, tap into the expertise of our membership and support this excellent educational and training conference. The folks in Dodge City are thrilled to showcase the place they call home. We know you’ll be excited to get the heck into Dodge in 2016!
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Around KANSAS Hutchinson Recreation Commission Takes Over Fun Valley Sports Complex Operations
City of Merriam Parks and Recreation Sets Expansion Plan In early 2013, the City of Merriam Parks and Recreation Department set a three-year plan for the expansion of the fitness center, tripling its size from 400 square feet to 1,200 square feet. The first phase began in 2014 and included preparing the new location with some minor construction, paint and vulcanized rubber flooring. In January 2015, City Council approved the purchase of Hammer Strength equipment. The equipment included the addition of a Dual Pulley machine as well as replacement of the existing dual functional pieces with single function selectorized pieces. On March 20 the new fitness center space opened for patron use and has been well received. The final phase, scheduled for 2016, will include the replacement of all cardio equipment with the plan to include personal cardio theater.
In Fall 2014, Hutchinson Recreation Commission took over operations of the historic Fun Valley and Hobart Detter Sports Complexes through a partnership with the City of Hutchinson. As a result, Hutch Rec has added to its staff with Hutchinson native Jeff Johnson (at left) as a new recreation coordinator. Jeff will help oversee Fun Valley and Hobart Detter operations. The complexes will host youth baseball, fast pitch softball, and adult slow pitch softball games and tournaments throughout the year in affiliation with USSSA. Hobart Detter is also home to the Hutchinson Monarchs summer baseball team. More than 25 tournaments are scheduled for the 2015 season, which will run from late March through the end of October. More details can be found at www.funvalleysports.com.
Hutchinson Recreation Commission Creates new Neighborhood Development initiative Hutchinson Recreation Commission, in partnership with the Hutchinson Community Foundation, has recently developed a new Neighborhood Development division and hired Pretty Prairie native Elizabeth Grilliot (at left) as the Director of Neighborhood Development. As the director, Elizabeth will help develop and implement neighborhood development strategies and programs, with the overall goal of ensuring that Hutchinson is an attractive place to live, work, play, and raise a family with vibrant, active, and safe neighborhoods. She’ll also work on creating unique public spaces, programs, and policies that promote active living while strengthening community spirit. More details about the Neighborhood Development program can be found at Hutch Rec’s Website, www.hutchrec.com.
The fitness center expansion triples its size from 400 square feet to 1,200 square feet.
6 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org
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Around KANSAS Gardner Daddy Daughter Ball More than 125 couples danced the night away this February at the Gardner Park and Recreation Daddy Daughter Ball. This was the fourth year for this event and it continues to sell out faster each year. The evening featured a crepe bar catered by Chris Cakes, dancing and a photo booth for the couples to capture their memories. The DJ kept the couples engaged the entire evening by playing several interactive games as well as all the favorite father daughter songs. A balloon drop and sentimental oath was also shared throughout the dance. At the end of the night, each daughter walked away with a special gift to remember their special time with their daddy.
Johnson County Parks and Recreation District Celebrates 60th Birthday More than five hundred children enrolled in Johnson County Park & Recreation District’s Out of School Time program gathered on March 18 at New Century Fieldhouse in Gardner, Kansas for a JCPRD 60th Birthday Party of monumental proportions! Face painting, balloon animals, volleyball, basketball shootout, soccer, Mad Science, the signing of an enormous birthday card, and a healthy birthday cake made the party one to remember. Partnering for the event were Safehome KS and MOCSA who provided a short presentation on the components of healthy friendships. Participants gathered on the court to form the number 60 to commemorate the event.
Iola Kiwanis Awarded $25,000 Grand Prize, City Matches Prize Iola Kiwanis was awarded the $25,000 grand prize through the National Make A Difference Through Play essay contest. With the city matching the $25,000 prize, and through many donations big and small, in just seven months, Iola was at 100% of their fundraising goal! The Landscape Structures inclusive design playground in Riverside Park accommodates Iola, as well as many surrounding towns and counties. Five MOMs (Mothers of Miracles), one Kiwanis Club, and hundreds of generous local citizens helped make this inclusive playground a reality for Iola, KS. Kids ages 5 to 12 celebrate fun and new friendships on this PlayBooster® playstructure with events that engage children of all abilities, like the tactile Rollerslide, hypnotic Optigear Panel® and the communal Sway Fun® Glider. The many curves of the Sensory Play Center® offer sights, sounds and touch that widen eyes and bring smiles to so many. Side-by-side Stationary Cyclers, one accessible and one standard, further encourage new insights and new friends at this unique park.
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IN FOCUS: Parks and Natural Resources Branch
2015-2016 KRPA Events MAY 2015 6 KRPA Professional Development Workshop (Lenexa) 14 KRPA Professional Development Workshop (Great Bend) SEPTEMBER 2015 29 - Oct 1 Tomorrow’s Leaders (Linwood)
By: Ramie DeGraeve – Park and Natural Resources Branch Chair The Parks and Natural Resources Branch board members are working on several different initiatives this spring. First and foremost, we are putting together a great lineup of breakout sessions and activities for the 2016 Conference in Dodge City. We would encourage any members who have a session proposal for conference or our fall workshop to contact a Park and Natural Resources board representative or Erika Devore (Executive Director, KRPA) with your ideas. The main goals for the branch this year will be to grow the membership, increase the number of Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) in our branch and request input from our members to ensure the branch is meeting their education needs.
OCTOBER 2015 7-8 Executive Forum (Grandview, MO)
Take a look at all the branches and see what interests you. Affiliating with more than one branch is a great way to stay connected and learn the challenges and opportunities from others in the Parks and Recreation profession! Last but not least, GET THE HECK INTO DODGE. We are very excited about the Park Tour and showing everyone the facilities and programs that Paul Lewis and his team manage. We look forward to seeing you at a KRPA event soon!
FEBRUARY 2016 2-5 2016 Conference & Expo (Dodge City) MARCH 2016 7-9 CPSI Playground Safety Inspector Contact Bonnie Simon at bonnie@krpa.org for registration details.
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10 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org
ELEVATING COMMUNITIES
In Kansas, more than 600 projects amounting to more than $51 million in LWCF grant funds since 1965 have helped build healthier communities through outdoor recreation projects in more than 90 counties.
Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program advance the ability of towns and cities across Kansas to fulfill their goals. By Linda Lanterman and Kathy Pritchett, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
unmet need of more than $523 million in outdoor recreation upgrades and new developments.
Kansas has a rich history of community pride throughout the state. Many of our communities hold a special appreciation of nature and create their public spaces through their park systems. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) advances the ability of towns and cities across Kansas to fulfill their goals for parks by providing the resources to construct park and trail projects.
Examples of how LWCF has been used in Kansas includes improvements to Herman Laird Park in Shawnee, Ks. This park is most known for its tribute to Chief Charles Bluejacket - a Shawnee Indian Chief. Today the park includes tennis and basketball courts and is host to many community gatherings.
In 1965, the LWCF was enacted to help preserve, develop and ensure access to outdoor recreation facilities for the purpose of strengthening the health of U.S. citizens. Congress created LWCF to meet the need for access to close-to-home outdoor recreation. The money comes from oil and gas lease revenues derived from federal lands. The LWCF State Assistance Program requires state and local communities to match the federal investment dollar-for-dollar. In Kansas, more than 600 projects amounting to more than $51 million in LWCF grant funds since 1965 have helped build healthier communities through outdoor recreation projects in more than 90 counties. Kansas has an
The purchase and development of 7.5 acres of land in Garden City. Garcia Soccer Park, a soccer field used by youth and adults alike houses 8 soccer fields and hosts over 425 games every year. Ci-Co Park in Manhattan, is a centerpiece for many forms of outdoor recreation and was in part developed by LWCF funds in 2001. The Green Sports Complex, funded in part by the LWCF, in Pratt has no doubt become a communal place for fun and activity during the spring and summer months, as well as serving as an economic driver by hosting baseball tournaments. The Wichita Skate Park was started with a group of skate board enthusiasts that had the foresight to raise money for a new skate park. This unique skate “bowl” is used by many across the state.
Its unique features allow for all levels of skateboarding fun. Another program that has made significant contributions to Kansas is the Recreational Trail Program (RTP). Since 1994, more than $20 million in RTP dollars have assisted with trail projects in many Kansas communities. RTP grants require a 20% match. Trails can range from a half-mile accessible concrete trail to the 115-mile Flint Hills Nature Trail. Both large and small communities in all regions of Kansas have been awarded an RTP grant. The City of Paola recently dedicated Wallace Park Trail, which adjoins sports fields and then runs along a river and The City of Wichita incorporated a river trail into their design when replacing the Lincoln Street bridge. Both the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trail Program are currently before Congress for reauthorization as part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Transportation Plan of the Federal Highway Administration. If your community has been impacted by LWCF or RTP, please contact your federal legislator to ask him or her to support funding these two important programs. Stay tuned for the exciting future these grants provide.
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WHAT CONSTITUTES A TRAIL? By: Wendy Bowles, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA… A trail is usually a path, track or unpaved lane or road, though the term is also applied in North America, to routes along rivers, and sometimes to highways. In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland path or footpath is the preferred term for a walking trail. Some trails are single use and can only be used for either walking, or cycling, or horse riding, or snow shoeing, or cross-country skiing, etc., other, as in the case of a bridleway in the UK, are multi-use, and can be used by walkers, cyclists and equestrians. There are also unpaved trails used by dirt bikes and other off road vehicles. In some places, like the Alps, trails are used for moving cattle and other livestock (see transhumance). In the United States historically, the term was used for a route into or through wild territory used by emigrants (e.g. the Oregon Trail) in the US.
12 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org
The definition of a trail changes within regions in the United States, different countries around the world and times in history. Kansas is rich with trails of all sorts, historic trails, rail trails, nature trails, equestrian trails, bike trails, hiking trails, water trails, animal trails and many more. The word “trail” conjures up different visions for different people. In cities many people envision the wide concrete path that winds all over town as an avenue to take them from schools to shopping malls on foot or by bicycle. In a park a trail might be used to lead patrons to a point of interest or a simple natural soil trail that takes you to see nature’s natural beauty. Whether a trail is short or long and winding, it will for sure lead you something spectacular. Historic trails in Kansas include the Butterfield Stage, Cherokee Trail, Chisholm Trail, Leavenworth Pike’s Peak Express, Oregon Trail, Jones and Plummer Trail, Pony Express, Santa Fe Trail, Smoky Hill Trail, and the Trail of Sac and Fox. Many of these trails are very famous for their role in moving people westward by foot, horse or wagon, not exactly today’s use of a trail. As time has passed, we use trails for other reasons, which leads our historic trails to become railroad lines or
interstate highways. Information regarding Kansas Historic Trails can be found at: http://www.vlib.us/old_west/trails.html. We don’t rely on trails to take us westward anymore but trails may be more important today than they were during the settling of the United States. Trails in the current American culture reduce pollution by giving people a safe route to travel to school, work and shopping without driving their car, access to daily exercise, recreation opportunities and they attract people outside to enjoy nature. Not only do trails have health benfets, they have a great economic impact on a community as people will travel great distances to hike or bike on a unique trail. Kansas’ unique trails are nearly 3000 miles statewide and growing. You can expect to find trails in State Parks, City and County parks, at Nature Centers and some State fishing lakes. A statewide trail data base is being built and posted on www.getoutdoorskansas.org . Information of this site is constantly being updated so check back if you can’t find a trail. Regardless of the length or surface or the intended user group trails serve a purpose, they take you places. So go outside, find a trail, and take a hike in Kansas.
KANSAS TRAILS COUNCIL AND GETOUTDOORSKANSAS.ORG By: Mike Goodwin, KTC Board of Directors The Kansas Trails Council (KTC) has been dedicated to building and maintaining public access trails in Kansas since it was founded in 1974. The KTC (www. kansastrailscouncil.org) is a non-profit, all volunteer organization with about 120 regular members and 12 affiliate members who collectively represent thousands of trail and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to managing about 250 miles of trails, the KTC also consults with, advises and trains organizations and land managers who are interested in building sustainable trails. We are also currently involved in two exciting special projects. In 2013, the KTC launched a project called “Trail in a Box – Just Add Volunteers” to help small organizations build trails. Many aspiring trail builders have a vision of building a trail in their community, but do not have any tools or equipment and often have little experience or training in accepted trail building methods. The Trail in a Box program loans out a trailer stocked with the essential tools and power equipment to approved
organizations and our experienced trail builders provide basic training so that best practices are used to build sustainable trails. Over the past two years, Trail in a Box units have been used by local volunteers to build trails in Fredonia, Ft. Leavenworth, Manhattan, Ft. Riley, Baldwin, Iola, Herington and Pomona. This program has been so popular that we quickly expanded from one to three units and are considering deploying a fourth this spring. Applicants may watch a video tour of the Trail in a Box or download the application form from the KTC website at: http://www.kansastrailscouncil.org/about/ trail-in-a-box/.
GetOutdoorsKansas is another special project that began in 2014 in partnership with the Kansas Wildscape Foundation. GetOutdoorsKansas is a free website where partner organizations can post and the public can find outdoor events and trail information across the state. The website currently has over 1,000 miles of trail GPS tracks online and has 60 partners posting upcoming outdoor events. GetOutdoorsKansas’ mission is to provide the most comprehensive source of outdoor activities and trail information in Kansas. Anyone looking for something fun to do outdoors can find nearby trails and activities as varied as archery, farmer’s markets, native plant hikes, orienteering and more on www.getoutdoorskansas.org. As we begin our fifth decade of building and supporting trails, the KTC continues to look for new ways to encourage trail development and to create state of the art tools to find trails and outdoor activities in Kansas.
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THE AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL A Kansas Resource with Untapped Potential! In 1989, the American Hiking Society and Backpacker magazine created the idea of a coast to coast trail that would be the backbone of the National Trails System. They wanted to develop an East to West trail similar to the successful Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. The route of the ADT was selected through the efforts of citizens working with local, state and federal land managers in the localities through which the trail passes. In 1990-91 a scouting team mapped the route determined by the citizen effort. On a national level, the ADT is administered today by the American Discovery Trail Society, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, whose membership dollars go toward: Building and maintaining the trail, Supporting local trail organizations, Developing educational materials, Preserving and protecting resources in the ADT corridor.
Making it one of the most coveted throughhiking accomplishments that can be done in the United States. The ADT is a little different than most long distance trails in that it purposefully takes the trail user through metropolitan areas and towns as well as areas of remote wilderness. The ADT is all about connections linking community to community, urban areas to wilderness. The ADT connects 5 National Scenic, 12 National Historic and 34 National Recreational Trails, 14 National Parks, 16 National Forests and visits 10,000 sites of historic, cultural and natural significance. The ADT through Kansas
National Overview of the ADT The American Discovery Trail (ADT) was the nation’s first coast to coast, nonmotorized trail. Beginning in Delaware and ending in California, the ADT crosses 14 states. There is a northern and southern route through the Midwest and Kansas is a part of the southern route. The trail is 6,800+ miles in length.
14 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org
The American Discovery Trail through Kansas is 570 miles long and begins in Johnson County on its eastern border on the outskirts of Leawood. The trail follows the Tomahawk and Indian Creek Trails through Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa and Shawnee then exits the metro following old K10 highway to Lawrence. From Lawrence the route follows US 59 highway to Ottawa where it connects to the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a 117 mile rail trail that visits Osage City, Council Grove and Herington. The ADT utilizes backroads to McPherson then on to Great Bend, with a stop at Cheyenne Bottoms. From Great Bend the trail closely follows the Arkansas River, passing Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, and Fort Larned National Historic Site. Leaving Larned, the trail follows the Arkansas River, using low traffic gravel roads and visits Kinsley, Dodge City, Cimarron, Garden City,
Holcomb, Deerfield, Lakin, Syracuse and Coolidge (yes, of Cousin Eddy fame!) before entering Colorado. The Untapped Potential The untapped potential of the ADT thorough Kansas is tourism. One doesn’t have to look far to see this potential: The Missouri Katy Trail (which the ADT uses for 154 of its 237 miles from St. Charles to Boonville) has thousands of visitors yearly, who have come to support businesses in most of the towns this trail travels through. While we may not have the crushed limestone trail entirely across Kansas, we do utilize paved trails through cities, the Flint Hills Nature Trail and many of the gravel roads in western Kansas are low traffic, gravel roads…very safe for hikers and bikers. The ADT just needs to be marketed better. How can this be done? 1. The trail needs signage and wayfinding markers. Most of the ADT isn’t marked, so the visitation has been limited to those few long distance travelers. 2. We need a state support committee. A committee could work together to maintain signage, boost marketing, inform users about local conditions and so on.
3.Local agencies could incorporate the ADT in special events, such as 5K or 10K events. Currently, trail guides can be purchased and printed from your printer with very good turn by turn trail descriptions including mileage between turns, landmarks and latitude/longitude of every waypoint and the type of surface as well as general route information. This information can also be downloaded to a gps device as well. You can learn more about the American Discovery Trail by visiting the website: www.discoverytrail.org Please consider supporting the American Discovery Trail by becoming a member of the American Discovery Trail Society, individual or agency memberships are available. If you would like more information about the ADT, please contact the Kansas State Coordinator, Brian Anderson at briana@leawood.org or 913-663-9110.
KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 15
Today
KRPA
KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
Kansas Recreation and Park Association 700 SW Jackson St., Suite 805 Topeka, Kansas 66603