First section of new Smoky Hill River trail officially opening

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·2 min read

Work on the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project has finally began, with a section of trail new the channel officially opening at the end of the month.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for the half-mile section of the new trail at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, near the Salina Family YMCA, 570 YMCA Drive.

According to the Friends of the River Foundation, the event will not only give guests the opportunity to walk or bike along the new trail section, but other activities will also be happening, including a scavenger hunt at booths along the trail, snacks and drinks. Parking is available at the Kenwood Cove Aquatic Center.

A new half-mile trail section behind the Salina Family YMCA has recently been completed. The trail section, which is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 28, is one of the first pieces completed as part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal project.
A new half-mile trail section behind the Salina Family YMCA has recently been completed. The trail section, which is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 28, is one of the first pieces completed as part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal project.

Smoky Hill River trail completion signs of larger renewal project

Jane Anderson, executive director of the foundation, said finishing construction on this trail section shows the progress that is happening and will continue as part of the project.

"We are so excited to have the first half mile of trail completed for the Smoky Hill River Renewal," Anderson said. "The community has been eagerly awaiting some construction on the riverway, and this trail is a first example of many more projects to follow for the river project."

This new trail section, which will be part of a longer trail spanning seven miles along the river channel from the south end by Indian Rock Park to the north end by Lakewood Park.

"The trail around the Y is a commitment to our community to provide safe and efficient pedestrian networks that eventually will go under both North Ohio Street and South Ohio Street connecting with the trails already in place on the levee system," the Friends of the River said.

This section, which loops around the back of the Y, is designed as a mixed-use path for walkers, cyclists and runners.

With the completion of the Smoky Hill River Renewal project, there will be more than 30 miles of trails of trails in Salina.

More: Former Oakdale Park pool, skating rink to be demolished

Find out more about the Smoky Hill River Renewal

More information about this trail and the progress of the Smoky Hill River Renewal project can be found at the Friends of the River Foundation website www.smokyhillriver.org.

Work on the project is expected to continue for the next several years with funding coming from the City of Salina and private local donors, as well as federal funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity or RAISE grant program from the U.S. Department of Transportation and with funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina's Smoky Hill River sees first section of new trail opening