Local events to celebrate National Trails Day, Saturday, June 4

Presentation on progress of regional MetroGreen® greenway system to be held at Central library June 1

Outdoor enthusiastswill observe National Trails Day 2011 on Saturday, June 4, to celebrate the natural heritage of the United States trail system. Traditionally held each year on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day was established to recognize the value of recreational trails and the people involved in building and maintaining them.

National Trails Day is a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and celebrate the benefits that our region’s public trails offer, including:

• Conservation of green space and protection of natural resources
• Recreation and transportation opportunities
• Connections to community destinations and cultural amenities throughout the metro
• Economic development and enhanced property values

The Kansas City region boasts nationally recognized trails and parks systems, including MetroGreen®, a partially completed 1,144-mile interconnected system of public and private open spaces, greenways and trails designed to link seven counties in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The plan covers Leavenworth, Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte counties in Missouri.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of MetroGreen. Since its launch in 1991 by the Prairie Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), more and more communities throughout our region have been connected by a system of trails, open space and parklands. To date, over 200 miles of trails are on the ground, and cities and counties continue to expand their greenway plans and grow the MetroGreen system.

To mark the occasion, the Kansas City Missouri Public Library will feature a presentation about MetroGreen on Wednesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown Central Branch. Panelists will highlight the benefits of a regional trail system, showcase a number of places to bike and hike in the metro and discuss the progress that has been made since the plan’s creation.

MetroGreen: Where we are today
Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Kansas City Public Library – Central Branch
14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, Mo.

A number of events are planned throughout the Kansas City region on June 4, including walking and biking activities, trail openings, family entertainment and educational presentations. A list of participating communities follows this release, and can also be found at www.marc.org/metrogreen.

• View the interactive event map

• Attend the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=103405969750976

 

Greater Kansas City Area Trails Day Events
Full list available at www.marc.org/metrogreen.

Blue Springs, Mo.
Location:Trail Dedication at Ward Park, 22nd Street parking lot
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: www.bluespringsgov.com
Description: The Ward Park trail has been rebuilt over the past year through the use of ARRA funds. The new mile-long trail is 8 feet wide with two new bridges and improvements to existing bridges. The dedication will last about one hour; following the ceremony, participants are encouraged to walk the new trail.

Clay County, Mo.
Location: Smoke & Davey Trail Head and parking lot located off Hwy W just west of Paradise, Mo.
Date/Time: June 4, 8:00 a.m. — Noon
Contact: www.claycountymo.govwww.claycountymo.gov
Description: A guided tour of prairie restoration areas along the trail and an information session on snakes and what to do when encountering one during hikes. Bottled water and trail snacks available.
 
Gladstone, Mo.
Location:Maple Woods Preserve Trail
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, any time
Contact: www.gladstone.mo.us
Description:Take a self-guided hike through the Maple Woods Nature Preserve, located at 76th and North Chestnut. Trail guides are available at the Gladstone City Hall M–F, 8–5.

Harrisonville, Mo.
Scavenger hunt in Harrisonville City Park
Location:Shelter #8 at Harrisonville City Park
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 1:00 p.m.
Contact: www.ci.harrisonville.mo.us
Description:Participants meet at Shelter #8, where trail maps and instructions will be available for the scavenger hunt on the city’s three miles of hiking trails with a surface of crushed street millings.

Jackson County, Mo.
National Trails Day at Missouri Town
Location:Missouri Town 1855, Fleming Park
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Adults $5.00; youth 5-13 and seniors $3.00; under 5 free
Contact: 816/503-4860; www.jacksongov.org/missouritown
Description:Activities for kids such as candle dipping, spelling bees, hoop rolling, game of graces, cracker whistling, marbles, tug-of-war, tin punching, jump rope and stilts and pie-eating contests. A special exhibit will provide information about Jackson County’s expansive trail system and outdoor education programs.

Johnson County, Kan.
Celebration of Johnson County's trails, parks and recreational spaces
Location: Shawnee Mission, Heritage & Kill Creek Parks
Date/Time: Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact: http://jcprd.com/
Description: Games and special activities for the entire family throughout Shawnee Mission Park and along the adjoining Streamway trail. Admission is free to the beaches at Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek parks, and free pedal boat and canoe rentals at the marinas in Shawnee Mission, Heritage, and Kill Creek parks.

Kansas City, Mo.
Location:Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park
Saturday, June 4, 8:30–11:00 a.m.
Contact: www.kcmo.org/parks
Description:Volunteers will build single-track mountain bike trails and hiking trails and have the opportunity to hike and bike newly completed sections. The first 100 attendees will receive a free gift.

Leavenworth, Kan.
Location:5-Mile Creek Trail – located at 10th Avenue Park
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: www.lvks.org
Description:Leavenworth Parks & Recreation Department and K-STATE Extension office will host a ribbon cutting and walk on the new trail – also teams/participants of the Walk Across Kansas Program will be recognized for their achievements.

Leawood, Kan.
Location:Ironwood Park, 147th & Mission Rd.
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: 913/339-6700 x 201; www.leawood.org
Description:Walk through the park and visit with local health and fitness vendors. Free event.

Lenexa, Kan.
Location:Black Hoof Park, 91st and Monticello Rd., Lenexa, Kan.
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 9:30 a.m.
Contact: www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/parks/index.html
Description:Did you ever want to learn the name of a particular bird or why a tree has a large knot on it?  Join Lenexa’s Park Naturalist and other nature lovers for a guided walk to observe nature in a new way.

Merriam, Kan.
Dedication of Streamway Trail extension and National Trails Day Ride & Walk
Location:Waterfall Park (51st & Merriam Drive)
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Contact: 913/322-5550; www.merriam.org/Park
Description:Celebrate the extension of the Streamway Trail from Waterfall Park, north on Merriam Drive to Antioch Road. After the dedication, guests are encouraged to bike or walk/jog on the trail. Light refreshments will be served, and free commemorative t-shirts will be available (while supplies last). Plus, shop the Merriam Farmers' Market at the Marketplace with fresh produce and free entertainment.

Platte County, Mo.
Ribbon cutting for new trailhead for Line Creek / Southern Platte Pass trails
Location: Trailhead access off of N Gower Ave / NW 68th Street, west of NW Waukomis Dr.
Date/Time:Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m.
Contact: www.co.platte.mo.us/parks
Description:Discover the new trailhead with access to Line Creek and Southern Platte Pass trails at a ribbon cutting followed by a walk or bike ride along the trail at your own pace. Partners will have informational booths highlighting the value of trails for the environment and our physical health. Enjoy healthy snacks and a beautiful new trail.