MARC News

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 7

May 30, 2008

Now in its 16th year, National Trails Day encourages people to discover, learn and exercise in nearby parks and natural sites. These communities throughout the MARC region will host events for National Trails Day on June 7, 2008.

National Trails Day Events 2008

• Blue Springs, Mo.
  Location: Rotary Park at Railroad Lake (600 NW Vesper)
  Date/Time: Wednesday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  Contact: 816/228-0181
  Description: Join in a mid-morning walk around Rotary Park Lake at 10:30 a.m., then enjoy a delicious lunch followed by guest speakers.
  Lunch is a $2.50 donation for guests 60 and older and $3.75 for those under 60 (please RSVP for lunch). Booths with giveaways and information about Kansas City area trails can be visited at no cost.
• Clay County, Mo.
  Location: Smokn’ Davey Trailhead (Two miles east of 169 Highway on W Highway, over the W Highway Bridge at Smithville Lake)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: 816/407-3400
  Description: Explore the newly constructed 5-mile Smokn’ Davey Trail, a part of the 23-mile trail system along the shoreline of Smithville Lake. An informational booth with safety information will be located at the trailhead. Refreshments provided.
• Gladstone, Mo.
  Location: Maple Woods Nature Preserve (2701 NE 76th Street)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, all day
  Contact: 816/436-2200
  Description: Take a self-guided tour through Maple Woods Nature Preserve, featuring the largest virgin stand of sugar maples west of the Mississippi.
• Independence, Mo.
  Location: Waterfall Park (4501 S. Bass Pro Drive)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  Contact: 816/325-7370
  Description: Celebrate the opening of Independence’s newest park and the first annual Independence EcoFest. Families will participate in a variety of entertaining and educational hands-on activities. Live music, “EcoStreet” characters, exhibits and food.
• Jackson County, Mo.
  Location: Missouri Town 1855 (East side of Lake Jacomo)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: 816/503-4861
  Description: Kemper Outdoor Education Center personnel will have an exhibit booth at Missouri Town 1855. Jackson County's new trail map will be available.
  
• Johnson County, Kan. and Merriam, Kan.
  Location: Turkey Creek Streamway, Werner Park (5740 Merriam Drive)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
  Contact: Susan Hayden, 913/322-5556
  Description: Johnson County and the City of Merriam are co-sponsoring the dedication of the Turkey Creek Streamway trail extension on Saturday, June 7. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Werner Park. After the dedication, bicycle riders will head south on the trail for a family bike ride (approx. 2.75 miles to 75th St. or 1.5 miles to Chatlain Park. Ride is 3 to 6 miles round trip). Walkers will head north on the new trail extension (approx. 0.75 mile, 1.5 miles round trip). Free commemorative water bottles will be given to the first 200 participants. Donations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital will be accepted. Attendees can shop the Merriam Farmers’ Market at the Marketplace for fresh produce and enjoy
  free entertainment.
• Kansas City, Mo.
  Location: Indian Creek Trail (99th & Holmes)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.
  Contact: 816/513-7530
  Description: Walk the Indian Creek Trail 1.5 miles to State Line, meeting for refreshments at Watts Mill. Local fitness and health vendors will be on site for demonstrations and giveaways. Groups will walk back around 10:30 a.m. (vans will be available for those who cannot walk back). Dogs on leash are welcome. This free event is jointly sponsored by the Leawood, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo., Parks and Recreation Departments.
• Kearney, Mo.
  Location: Jesse James Park (North Highway 33 in Kearney, Mo.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: Eric Marshall, 816/903-4724 
  Description: Walkers and cyclists will be able to enjoy Kearney’s newest trail, approximately 1.7 miles long and located on the scenic Jesse James Festival Grounds. Refreshments provided. Musical group Kychn Synk will perform at the Kearney Ampitheater.
• Leawood, Kan.
  Location: Indian Creek Trail (Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., shelters C and D)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.
  Contact: 913/339-6700 ext. 201
  Description: Walk the Indian Creek Trail 1.5 miles to State Line, meeting for refreshments at Watts Mill. Local fitness and health vendors will be on site for demonstrations and giveaways. Groups will walk back around 10:30 a.m. (vans will be available for those who cannot walk back). Dogs on leash are welcome. This free event is jointly sponsored by the Leawood, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo., Parks and Recreation Departments.
• Lee’s Summit, Mo.
  Location: Legacy Park Walking/Biking Trail (North Shelter Area, Blackwell Parkway and Coneflower Road)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.–11 a.m.
  Contact: Cheryl Martin, 816/969-1556
  Description: Celebrate National Trails Day with a 4.5 mile trail hike through Legacy Park. Light refreshments available at the shelter.
• Lenexa, Kan.
  Location: Cedar Station Park (96th and Canyon Creek Boulevard)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.
  Contact: 913/541-0209;
  Description: A Lenexa naturalist or docent will guide a tour around one of Lenexa’s newest trails in Cedar Station Park. Within the park there is a new man-made lake that is a part of the Rain to Recreation program. Guides will discuss the purpose of the lake and introduce participants to a wetland environment. The hike will be approx. half a mile on paved trails. Event is free but pre-registration is required.
• Merriam, Kan., Parks & Recreation
  Location: Bike & Hike Event, Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Drive)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  Contact: 913/322-5550;
  Description: Meet at the Merriam Farmers' Market at 11:00 a.m to bike or hike the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail (check in with the farmers' market supervisor). Shop the farmers' market for fresh local produce and listen to free entertainment. Free water bottles while supplies last.
• Olathe, Kan.
  Location: Stagecoach Park (1205 N. Kansas City Road, Olathe, Ks.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  Contact: 913/971-6618
  Description: Celebrate the diverse multicultural heritage of Olathe by walking the trail at Stagecoach Park, then visit the third annual Americana Jubilee across the street at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm for entertainment, food and activities.
• Platte County, Mo. and Riverside, Mo.
  Location: Weston City Hall (300 Main Street, Weston, Mo.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 10:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: 816/858-3419
  Description: Local officials will lead a trail walk and community groups will have displays promoting the importance of trails for health and wellness and natural resource preservation. Free goodie bags for the first 100 participants.
  
  
  
  

Return to News Archives
Return to MARC Home Page