04 Jun Foundation Files: CKC promotes trails for everyone
Volunteers help finish the pedestrian bridge on the Meadowlark Trail. The trail re-opened in April
The Meadowlark Trail held its grand opening in April of this year, establishing a well-built 12-mile trail between the cities of McPherson and Lindsborg. The trail has quickly become a popular destination for exercise and exploration, showcasing the beauty of central Kansas along the way.
The Foundation supported the project through funding released in 2023 from the David J. Nutt Fund and the Kansas Children’s Health Fund. The $10,000 total helped the Central Kansas Conservancy complete the final miles of trail, including the rebuilding of a walkway bridge along the route.
The long-term vision is to eventually connect the Meadowlark Trail to the Sunflower/Santa Fe Trail. This connection would create a 50+ mile uninterrupted trail linking Lindsborg to Marion, traveling through the McPherson, Galva, and Canton communities.
Article originally featured in the 7-20-2016 McPherson Sentinel. Written by Josh Arnett
McPherson County– For those looking to see a different side of McPherson County, The Central Kansas Conservancy may be building a path for you.
The CKC is a non-profit organization that uses the rails-to-trails model to building public trails in McPherson County. It was established in 1997 and has developed the meadowlark Trail from McPherson to Lindsborg and the Sunflower/Santa Fe Trail from McPherson through Galva to Marion.
“We take old railroad lines and convert them into trails where people can walk or bike or ride horses,” said Michele Cullen, CKC’s president, “Basically, any mode of transportation that doesn’t have a motor.”
Canton and Galva HS students work on the Sunflower/Santa Fe Trail
Though only sections of these trails have been completed Cullen said they have seen a lot of use from people biking to and from work to service groups looking for a project.
“They’re great for the communities’. We’re especially excited for the Meadowlark trail. It’s definitely connecting the two communities,” she said. “I know of someone who rides their bike from Lindsborg to McPherson and back and it’s a great place for a day trip or a lunch.”
In addition to physical activity , the trails provide opportunities for geocachers, who use GPS coordinates to do scavenger hunts in public spaces.
“I’ve personally seen teenagers and adults out there geocaching,” Cullen said. “It’s some- thing that can attract all ages.”
It also gives groups looking for service opportunities a way to give back to the community. Canton-Galva High School students and Ulster Project participants have both completed trail projects recently.
Because the CKC is a non-profit group, it holds fundraisers throughout the year to pay for trail improvements. The Tour de Trails is the most well known, and Lindsborg is planning a “Bridge to Bridge” 5K fundraiser from the railroad bridge on the Valkommen Trail to the covered bridge on the Meadowlark Trail.
“People come out to support us so we can build more trail and keep it maintained,” Cullen said. “It’s all done through fundraising, and a lot of the work is done through volunteers.