Atchison County Lake committee says Phase 1 trails are open, outlines repairs and anti-dumping steps

Ian Saxton, chair of the Atchison County Lake committee, told county commissioners Feb. 17 that Phase 1 of trail development at Atchison County Lake is complete and passable and that the committee aims to open the trails before Memorial Day.

"So far, we have done trail development. Phase 1 has been completed for at least two trails," Saxton said, adding that the committee will add signage and bridges and is working to finalize a route and related infrastructure.

Saxton described recent work on the lake spillway, saying millings have been removed and that one lane remains welded closed to prevent traffic. He said an Army Corps engineer has reviewed the structure and found it to be structurally sound. "The retaining wall that was in question where it fell down, they're not worried about that," Saxton said, while noting cleanup and cosmetic repairs remain.

The committee is planning a pedestrian handrail to improve safety. Saxton said contractor George Shear will fabricate an OSHA‑compliant handrail and that the committee expects the cable materials to cost roughly $500; final funding will be determined from the lake foundation or county resources.

Saxton also reported progress on an "east pillar" repair where a mason has poured a foundation; he said insurance funds are expected to cover repair work and that a purchase order will be submitted for payment.

The committee outlined plans to repurpose an old ball field near Saxton's property into an apple orchard to encourage community involvement and support local wildlife. "We're looking at putting an apple orchard there to get more people out to the lake," Saxton said.

Illegal dumping and safety were recurring concerns. Saxton described finding dumped tires and, in one shelter house, drug paraphernalia that required sheriff removal. Commissioners and Saxton discussed deterrence measures; Commissioner Campbell and others recommended trail cameras and prominent signage. Saxton said any monitoring would include legally required notice to the public.

On operations, Saxton said the committee plans to contract mowing through a competitive process similar to previous seasons and that volunteer maintenance will be limited because of equipment and scheduling constraints. He also said the committee is developing a website and wants a separate line item to show lake revenue and expenses for transparency.

Next steps: committee leaders will solicit bids for mowing and finalize handrail materials and funding; Saxton said more detailed plans and photos will be shared with commissioners as work continues.