Salina parks and trails keep people active, connect the community

There are a lot of ways to stay entertained in the greater Salina area, and for those who enjoy exploring outdoors, the city certainly has a few places to offer.

Salina has a robust trail system and several parks that are interconnected by paths throughout the city.

With summer winding down and cooler temperatures on the horizon, here are a few ideas to keep moving in the cooler months ahead.

Salina Levee Trail for walking, bike rides

Salina has 21 total miles of completed trails to offer, both aggregate and concrete.

The trail system serves a dual purpose; the town is essentially surrounded by 21 miles of levee to prevent flooding from the nearby Smoky Hill River, which used to run through the city. So, the levee doubles in as a path that makes the city more interconnected and accessible on foot.

City Engineer Dan Stack said the trails seem to keep people active in the community.

"It's amazing to me (how) you just see people walking on them all the time," Stack said. "It just really helps the health and wellness of people. It's an easy way to get out and take a walk or bike ride."

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The trails are designed to be safe in about all weather conditions aside from pouring rain, Stack said, where people should be mindful of mud in those situations.

It's common to see people walking on the trails at all times of the day, and bikers have plenty of path options as well. Some trails are even designed with rugged terrain for more advanced biking.

Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond said the trails have been a positive asset to the city.

"Certainly as a quality of life, and the community you live in, being able to connect your community by walking or biking is very important," Hammond said.

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Hammond also said the trails serve as a safe option for people living in neighborhoods throughout the city to be able to walk or bike to parks and other destinations.

The trails provide some views of the river and connects several parks in town, both smaller neighborhood parks and sports complexes.

There are additions to these trails still in the works, too, which will connect some areas of town that are less pedestrian-friendly.

The city is working to update its trail map on the website to account for additional trails that have been added.

26 parks in the city of Salina

There are 26 parks in the city of Salina with some being smaller neighborhood parks, and others being larger more expansive areas of land.

The city also has three athletic complexes. A fourth one is currently being built — a new tennis center made possible in partnership with the Salina Tennis Alliance — which is expected to open later this fall.

While there are many parks, there are a few popular ones deemed "destination parks" that are recommended and showcased for different activities.

Lakewood Park

205 Lakewood Drive

Lakewood Park is known for its own part of the trail system in Salina, with plenty of land to explore. There is a mix of more wooded areas and open grassy areas surrounding the pond.

The pond brings over various wildlife like deer, turtles and birds, most commonly, along the park's five miles of trails.

Indian Rock Park

1500 Gypsum Avenue

Prepare for a more challenging walk or bike ride at this location. Many people use the park's elevated paths for exercise at this park.

The park offers both more wooded paths and paved walkways for its visitors. But this spot is known for its rocky paths and potential for exploration.

At the top of the hill, there is a view worth stopping for. Several outlook spots allow people to see for miles on a clear day.

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Bill Burke Park

Bill Burke Park is one of a few sports complexes maintained by the city parks and recreation department.

The park features eight baseball and softball diamonds, which will be upgraded with infield turf next year.

Bill Burke is also home to multi-purpose fields commonly used for soccer and football practices, a playground, two picnic shelters, community grills, and of course, a path connecting it to other parts of the city's trail system.

The park is located just adjacent to Indian Rock Park, with the famous tall hill visible from the ballfields.

In the coming year, several parks will be updated with improved bathrooms, some additional pathways, more accommodations for disabilities and sidewalk connections to the parks from neighboring roads.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Trails and parks in Salina help residents stay active, connected