Trail Leaders Gather in Iola for Summer Trail Congress, Preview New State Park
Each quarter, Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI) brings its Trail Congress to a different region of the state, gathering trail leaders, local enthusiasts, and advocates to discuss the state of trails across Kansas. On Friday, July 10, that gathering brought 28 attendees to Iola, Kansas, hosted at the Dale P. Creitz Recital Hall at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
A Warm Welcome from Iola
Attendees were greeted by Iola City Manager Matt Rehder, who shared his enthusiasm for trails — particularly the Prairie Spirit Trail. Rehder noted that the trail was one of the primary reasons he chose to accept his position leading the community, a testament to the role trails can play in attracting talent and investment to a region.
Spotlight on Lehigh Portland State Park
Iola was a fitting choice for this quarter’s Congress: the new Lehigh Portland State Park, Kansas’s most recent state park designation, is nearing completion of its visitor center just outside town.
Lisse Regehr, Executive Director of Thrive Allen County, walked the group through the park’s history — from its origins to the years of work that led to its designation as a Kansas state park. Her presentation gave attendees a firsthand look at how local vision and partnership can transform a site into a lasting community and statewide asset.
The Congress also heard from:
- Kelly Mark, Director of Healthy Communities at the Sunflower Foundation
- Conner O’Flannagan, Director, Kansas State Parks, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Looking Ahead: American Discovery Trail 250th Celebration
A major topic of discussion was the upcoming American Discovery Trail (ADT) 250th celebration, in which a copy of the Declaration of Independence will be carried across the country along the trail. Kansas plays a pivotal role in this journey, hosting 575 miles of the route.
KTI is working closely with the ADT to maximize the state’s involvement in this historic event. Visit [this page] to learn more about how you can participate in Kansas.
Touring the New Visitor Center
The meeting concluded with a tour of the Lehigh Portland State Park visitor center and grounds, giving attendees an early look at what will soon be a premier destination for trail users across the region.
Thank You
KTI extends its sincere thanks to the City of Iola, Thrive Allen County, the Sunflower Foundation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and our special regional guests for making this Trail Congress meeting a success.
For more information on future regional Kansas Trails Inc. Trail Congress meetings, please contact us at info@kstrails.org.
