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Highland Village board outlines Wichita Forest trail updates, seeks Corps approval for changes
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board received an update on trail re‑alignment, new trail markers, invasive‑species removal and proposed infrastructure improvements at Wichita Forest, with staff saying U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval will be sought before larger changes.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 21 received a progress report on improvements to Wichita Forest, including new trail markers, removal of invasive plants and plans for a possible steel pedestrian bridge, members and staff said.
Board members Hogan Hevington and Tyler led the volunteer initiative and worked with city staff and community volunteers to install marker posts and reflective stickers, remove invasive species and propose clearer trail alignment, according to staff. Gabe Doria served as the city point person on the project.
Staff said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asked the city not to clear‑cut or disturb sensitive habitats and that the city will submit the updated trail configuration to the Corps for review. Phil, a city staff member who presented the update, said the submission for Corps approval is the next formal step.
The work completed so far includes removing dozens of older posts, installing about 40 new trail posts and placing roughly 200 reflective stickers (about 20 stickers remain to be applied to two additional trails), staff said. Phil described the installed posts as standard trail markers commonly used on state and national park lands and said new metal trailhead maps with brighter graphics are planned to replace an older weathered wooden map created as an Eagle Scout project.
The board discussed additional improvements: designating two new color loop routes and “Explorer” side trails, clearing fallen trees and debris that create washouts and erosion, and removing invasive plants identified during the walk‑through (privet, nandinas and kudzu were mentioned). Phil said volunteers and scouts helped on a recent service day to remove old markers and invasive species.
Board members and staff also discussed a proposed steel bridge to replace an existing informal wooden crossing over a wash; Phil noted wooden structures are unlikely to survive heavy rains and said a more permanent engineered crossing would require design work to meet load and erosion‑control needs.
On maintenance and outreach, staff said the project is phased and will continue over multiple years, with future volunteer work days and potential outreach to local scout troops, school groups and community or corporate volunteer teams. Phil invited residents to report trail issues through the Highland Village app so staff and volunteers can address them.
Board members and staff encouraged residents to walk Wichita Forest and said the updated markers aim to improve navigation and reduce confusion for trail users.
