My hopes for a state park here dimmed considerably Wednesday morning when I received an email from Rep. Bill Rhiley of Wellington with the subject line “Tomorrow’s vote on a David Toland state park for Allen County.”
Rep. Rhiley was responding to a request I sent Tuesday evening asking for his vote to support the creation of Lehigh Portland State Park. Members of the House are scheduled to vote on the measure Thursday.
In my communication to Rep. Rhiley I said a state park would preserve a beautiful lake and trail system plus be an economic boon to Southeast Kansas.
Lehigh Portland could be expected to draw 250,000 visitors a year, likely benefiting area gas stations, restaurants, hotels, Airbnbs, and stores not only in the immediate area but also on the various routes to the park. Such an influx would give a much-needed boost to city and county tourism and sales tax revenues throughout the region.
I also informed Rep. Rhiley that hundreds of volunteers maintain the network of trails surrounding the lake and that I feared such efforts could not be maintained in perpetuity. Creating a state park would ensure the future of both the trails and the lake as well as open up a recreational area that the general public could enjoy.
My words fell on deaf ears.
To Rep. Rhiley, a Republican, it’s all about politics: “A David Toland state park.”
Yes, Lt. Gov. Toland, a Democrat, is from Iola.
And so now all of Southeast Kansas is to suffer because of his political affiliation? That’s how decisions in Topeka are made?
Fortunately, not all.
After Monday’s hearing by the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, I by chance met committee member Rep. Linda Featherston, D-Overland Park, in the ladies restroom.
That afternoon’s hearing was the second occasion members had discussed the Lehigh Portland State Park proposal in depth.
The measure is somewhat unique in that a private entity, Iola Industries, is donating the lake and surrounding property to the state in exchange for it being designated a state park.
Iola Industries has owned the land, now valued at $2 million, since 1971. Iola Industries is a group of local investors whose mission is to advance Iola and the surrounding region by focusing on business and industry retention as well as being a catalyst to improve the region’s quality of life.
As a member of Iola Industries, I believe that creating a state park would enhance our area’s quality of life economically, recreationally and spiritually.
