OTTAWA, Kan. (KCTV) – The last segment of the Flint Hills Trail scheduled for enhancements will be accessible to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians starting in May.
The
Kansas Department of Fish and Wildlife
The announcement has been made regarding the completion and official inauguration of an enhanced part of the Flint Hills Trail State Park, scheduled for Saturday, May 17. This new stretch spans 2.3 miles and is located west of Ottawa, extending from Louisiana to Iowa Terrace.
Upon opening, officials from the department stated that guests would have the opportunity to experience unimpeded passage across 93 miles of contiguous path stretching from Osawatomie to Council Grove. This network provides greater accessibility to what is among the most extensive rail trails in America, all while offering breathtaking views of the picturesque Flint Hills landscape.
KDWP mentioned that the initiative was facilitated through a grant provided by the Transportation Alternatives Program.
Kansas Department of Transportation
The construction project was honored. It encompassed a 10-foot-wide multi-use pathway, a pedestrian bridge, and enhancements to three pre-existing bridges.
Conservationists stated that the enhancements offer a more seamless trail experience and boost safety over railroad crossings, thus removing the necessity for a 3.4-mile bypass through rural routes.
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The Flint Hills Trail serves as an exemplary model of Kansas’s ongoing commitment to developing significant outdoor areas,” stated KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “Each finished segment brings us closer not only to establishing trails but also to uniting neighborhoods, increasing recreational opportunities, and enabling additional residents of our state to appreciate its natural splendor.
A ceremony for cutting the ribbon is anticipated to be scheduled at a future time. Although, KDWP stated that their extended goals of developing the entire trail whenever funds become accessible continue to be a top priority.
To learn more about the Flint Hills Trail State Park, please click.
HERE
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