Dear Chairwoman Renee Erickson and members of the Senate Committee on Commerce,
I am writing to express my support for HB2331, creating Lehigh Portland State Park.
I have moved all over the world and throughout the United States with my husband, Major Scott Kroenke, in support of his 26-plus years with the Army. One of the things that we used for help in dealing with mental health stressors, was the physical healing and family bonding, provided by area state parks wherever we lived.
My husband is preparing to retire later this summer, and he decided to move our family back to our hometown area. Since being home, I was excited to discover the availability of the Lehigh Portland trails. The positive impact of these trails has been phenomenal. I have been able to use the paths to go for runs to clear my head while my husband has spent this last year in Kuwait on a final tour overseas, walking with friends from church, hiking with my family, and exploring caves.
Designating the Lehigh Portland trail area and the lake connected to it as a state park would offer even more activities for our community, including camping, kayaking, fishing, and discovering more trails to hike and run. It has been nice to see so many people taking advantage of the trail system.
Currently, Allen County does not have any state parks or lakes. HB 2331’s passing would have a significant economic impact on our rural community. Those traveling through could take advantage of a place to stay, play, and visit for shopping and exploring.
Sincerely,
April D. Kroenke,
Iola, Kan.
