As soon as the weather and daylight allow in the spring and until the days get too short in the fall, my family and I walk the trail from Oregon Road north a mile and back almost every day. There is seldom a time when we are the only people on the trail.
We and, I believe, others would like to extend our usage of the trail but darkness cuts us off. The blacktop portion between Cofachique Park and Oregon Road is lighted, but seems a bit too remote for some people to feel safe on after dark.
If the trail is extended to Riverside Park it will be well lit and have a less remote and more accessible feel to it. I believe this accessibility will attract more usage and may even become somewhat of a gathering place. I am told that this has become the case in Ottawa and Garnett. People are using the trail for biking, running, walking and rollerblading.
The issue with Jack McFadden’s land and John Womack’s equipment is actually a separate issue. The land the trail would be built on already belongs to the City of Iola.
While it would be nice to have a shelter area with restroom facilities built on the ground beside the trail and have a better atmosphere for the new City Sports Complex, it does not have to be done at the same time.
My family and many other families believe we should move ahead with extending the rail trail regardless.
Don Burns
Iola, Kan.
