by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
MANHATTAN - On Friday, June 28th, the southern section of Linear Trail will reopen to the public from the South Manhattan Avenue access point to the boat ramp at U.S. Highway 24.
After nearly two and a half years of reconstruction, the popular River Trails, will also reopen along the west bank of the Kansas River.
Regular trail maintenance will continue throughout the trails by the City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department.
Work is still ongoing for the section north of U.S. 24 to Casement Road. The remainder of Linear Trail will reopen later in 2024.
“June is when we celebrate National Trails Day and this is a perfect time to reopen these popular trails to public use,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Aaron Stewart. “We would like to thank our terrific partners in the Public Works Department and Stormwater Division, as well ESI and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for their tireless efforts to restore these trails to a new condition.”
City officials ask the public to be observant of updated rules and hours posted at the trailheads and online.
Trail users should be aware ESI, the contractor reconstructing the trails, will continue finishing off-trail work on the bank slopes of the levee.
“We commend ESI for their quality work on this important project to raise the levee and refurbish it for the next generation,” said Stormwater Compliance Engineer Bill Heatherman. “We know this project has been a burden on our citizens, and we are glad to near the end of this complex and essential project.”