Lawrence/Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee
Eric Struckhoff, Chair
Tom Waechter, Vice-Chair
Rich Barr
Trent McKinley
Matt Dunbar
Mark Desetti
Becky McClure
May 24, 2006
Re: Draft resolution proposing establishment of Capital to University Trail
Dear Commissioners,
The Lawrence/Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee has received your referral of the draft resolution proposing the establishment of the Capital to University Trail (also referred to as the Landon Trail) between Topeka and Lawrence. The BAC unanimously endorses the resolution, which offers a recreational facility whose popularity can be be predicted by examining the very high usage of regional trails like the KATY Trail in Missouri, the Prairie Spirit Trail here in Kansas, and the excellent system of recreational trails and paths in the City of Lawrence.
The existence of the old MoPac rail corridor, the work by the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy and the City of Topeka to estabalish the Landon Nature Trail, and the availability of federal TE funds all contribute to the feasibility of this project. Moreover, future plans for rec path links between Lawrence and Johnson County and for the Two Rivers Trail (including the Burroughs Creek Park and Rail Trail), along with existing facilities in Lawrence, present an opportunity to create important connections as part of Lawrence’s growing recreation and transportation needs.
I have met with the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and with Mr. Coan, who brought the resolution to my attention, and the proposal enjoys wide support from them and from the numerous citizens with whom I’ve discussed this proposal. To further Lawrence’s mission to develop facilities for the improvement of the health, community, and mobility of its citizens, the Lawrence/Douglas County BAC unanimously recommends adoption of the draft resolution proposing establishment of Capital to University Trail between Lawrence and Topeka.
Sincerely,
Eric Struckhoff
Chair, Lawrence/Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee