The numbers show area citizens are flocking to the new Southwind Rail Trail that connects Iola and Humboldt along the old railway bed. ON THE OTHER side of the argument, the permits encourage “ownership” in the Prairie Spirit Trail, says Trent McCown, park manager for the trail since its inception in 1995. A TRAFFIC counter device installed by the Kansas Department of Transportation across the Southwind Trail gives proof of its popularity. AS A STATE, we need to be encouraging and welcoming potential users to frequent sites such as the rail trails.
It’s rare to experience the pathway in solitude. You’ll almost always see a fellow walker, runner or cyclist coming or going.
The same can’t be said for the Prairie Spirit Trail to the north.
Several reasons explain the difference.
The 7-mile trail south is a new toy for residents. It’s the perfect distance for an evening’s bike ride. And, it’s free.
It doesn’t matter the annual permits for the Prairie Spirit Trail are only $12.50 — or $3.50 a day, for heaven’s sake — for those 16 and older. The point is the fees work as a disincentive to use the trail.
If you haven’t bothered to get a permit, you feel guilty for using it and are always under the threat of a Kansas Department of Wildlife official giving you a ticket.
And with that ownership comes a sense of responsibility for the trail’s upkeep.
Though the fees from the trail don’t amount to much, they are part of a much bigger pot accrued from all Kansas state parks that charge usage fees. That money helps pay for mowing the 51-mile stretch from Iola to Ottawa, keeping the restrooms tidy and stocked with precious toilet paper, as well as drinking fountains at select sites.
And when he’s on the trail checking users’ permits, it gives McCown a chance to visit and hear their opinions about the trail.
McCown also maintains requiring a permit helps keep trouble-makers off the path. As a law official, McCown views his role to ensure trail safety as paramount.
Since its June 8 opening, an average 255 participants use the trail on a weekly basis.
McCown admits the northern stretch’s popularity is hampered by the permit process, although it, too, experiences high usage at some points.
“I’m sure we’d have heavier use if the Prairie Spirit were free,” he said. The most popular segment is a 6-mile stretch from Ottawa to Richmond, he said.
He also touts it as human nature to object to having to pay for what people deem as a “right.”
“But they’ll raise Cain if a rest room is out of toilet paper,” he said.
McCown is a big fan of the rail trail system and its future growth.
“As a state, we’re way behind the rail trail movement,” he said. “Some states have hundreds and hundreds of miles of trails. We’re just beginning.”
Perhaps the proven fact the trails draw tourists all along their paths — and do more so if made free — is enough to convince state officials to waive the cumbersome permit process.
As they say, penny wise, pound foolish.
— Susan Lynn
Credit location and free access to trail’s popularity
