Hartman Park Trailhead plans highlighted at open house

Several dozen local residents attended an open house Sept. 18 highlighting plans for the Charles David Hartman Memorial Park Trailhead. During the event, held at the Lee’s Summit city park, attendees were invited to review concept plans for the trailhead which will connect to the new 7.5-mile Rock Island Trail and future connection to the statewide Katy Trail.

Considered a “rails-to-trails” project, the Rock Island and Katy Trail are part of Missouri’s extensive biking and walking trails developed along out-of-service railroad tracks.

The Hartman Trailhead will include a shade structure, seating, bike racks, a bike maintenance station, water fountain, trail map and information kiosk. Since the trailhead is located within the recently renovated Lee’s Summit park, those visiting the trailhead will also have access to the facility’s parking lot and restrooms.

Officials are hopeful that an interim connection from the new trailhead to the Rock Island Trail will be available by late 2018. The Rock Island Corridor includes sections of the former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Through an agreement under the National Trails System Act, railway corridor land may be transferred from the railroad company to the Missouri State Parks for the purpose of creating a trail.