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Kansas Association of Trail Stewards briefs Harrington commission on Flint Hills Trail plans and state trail mapping
Summary
Mike Scanlon of the Kansas Association of Trail Stewards presented the group's origin, recent grant successes, and ongoing projects to map and promote trails statewide, including efforts tied to the Flint Hills Trail and potential regional trail connections.
Mike Scanlon, representing the Kansas Association of Trail Stewards, briefed the commission on the group's work supporting rail-trail corridors across Kansas, fundraising and mapping efforts, and plans to increase tourism and trail usage along the Flint Hills Trail.
Scanlon described the association's origin as a four-city initiative and noted that the group helped secure a large federal RAISE grant for Flint Hills Trail projects. He said the association has been building trail counters to measure usage, has received donor support (including a $25,000 contribution from the Kansas Trails Council matched with Sunflower Foundation funds), and is developing a statewide trail map that will include about 425 trails totaling roughly 4,365 miles.
Scanlon said trail investments can stimulate local economies by attracting events and visitors; he cited participation numbers for Osawatomie events and trail users collected in 2024, and said the association is exploring partnerships with KDOT and other agencies to stack funding sources for projects such as trail loops and pump tracks. He also noted discussions with Missouri park officials about linking the Katy Trail and Flint Hills Trail to create a longer contiguous Midwest corridor.
Commissioners thanked Scanlon for the update; there was no commission action on the presentation.
