National Trails Day 2012
Saturday, June 2
Communities around the Greater Kansas City region will celebrate National Trails Day 2012 on Saturday, June 2, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to celebrate the natural heritage of the United States trail system. Traditionally held each year on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day was established to recognize the value of recreational trails and the people involved in building and maintaining them.
Local cities and municipalities mark National Trails Day by holding public events such as walking and biking activities, trail openings, family entertainment and educational seminars.
To view regional event details, click on the sites highlighted on the Google map below. You can also download PDF fliers or a PDF poster to post about National Trails Day events.
Have photos from your community’s event? Add them to our Flickr MetroGreen pool!
View 2012 National Trails Day Events in a larger map
REGIONAL EVENTS
Blue Valley Recreation
Saturday, June 2, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Blue Valley Rec Sports Complex, east field parking lot, 137th and Antioch.
Free event, pre-registration recommended
913/685-6000
www.bluevalleyrec.org
Set your own pace on this family-friendly 30-minute walk. Discover the natural beauty of the paved trail winding between Antioch and Switzer on the south side of the Blue Valley Rec sports complex.
- Kids’ nature craft and a trail-friendly scavenger hunt provided.
- Enjoy the health benefits of walking in nature.
- Receive a Regional Bikeway and Trails map.
- Visit the Backwoods display for a chance to win prizes.
Clay County Parks, Recreation, Historic Sites & Tourism
Saturday, June 2, 8 a.m. to noon
- Smoke & Davey Trailhead at Smithville Lake Park - Hwy W just east of the W bridge and boat ramp
- Anita B. Gorman Trailhead at Smithville Lake Park - Collins Road just east of Collins Bridge and Camp Branch Marina
Clay County Parks Department, in partnership with MARC and MetroGreen, will host a National Trails Day celebration at the Smoke & Davey Trailhead located off Hwy W just west of Paradise, Mo., and at the Anita B. Gorman Trailhead located off Collins Road east of Camp Branch Marina at Smithville Lake. The event will include displays, information and demonstrations from Earth Riders Trails Association, local public safety divisions. There will also be live animal exhibits and a guided trail walk with an emphasis on ecosystems, wildlife communities, and habitats. All ages welcome. No cost.
Gladstone, Mo. Parks & Recreation
Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. to noon
Maple Woods Nature Preserve
www.gladstone.mo.us
Gladstone celebrates National Trails Day by offering self-guided tours through the Maple Woods Nature Preserve from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 2. Maple Woods Preserve is the largest stand of Sugar Maples west of the Mississippi River. Individuals may pick up Preserve information at Gladstone City Hall, located at 7010 N. Holmes.
Harrisonville, Mo.
National Trails Day Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 2, 1:00 p.m.
Omega Trail at Harrisonville City Park
www.ci.harrisonville.mo.us
Harrisonville will celebrate National Trails Day with a scavenger hunt on the Omega Trail at City Park.
Independence, Mo.
Independence EcoFest
Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Waterfall Park
http://www.indepmo.org/ecofest/
(816) 325-7370
Free family event! Families will participate in a variety of fun, hands on activities that will entertain and educate. This annual event has something for everyone. Live music, “EcoStreet” characters, exhibits and food.
Jackson County Parks & Recreation
National Trails Day/Children’s Day
Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Missouri Town 1855
8010 East Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
www.jacksongov.org/missouritown
816/503.4861
In conjunction with the annual Children’s Day event at Missouri Town 1855, a special exhibit is offered highlighting Jackson County Parks & Recreation’s trail system. Printed materials show hiking and biking opportunities within the park system. A park naturalist will be available to answer questions, and exhibits of some of the area’s indigenous wildlife will be on display. Children can participate in a special activity or craft session.
Johnson County Park & Recreation District
A Day in the Park
Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS 66219
www.jcprd.com
913/888-4713
A free, day-long celebration of Johnson County’s trails, parks and recreational spaces. There will be a wide variety of activities for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations in Shawnee Mission Park and along the adjoining Streamway trail. Throughout the day there will also be free admission to the beaches in Shawnee Mission Park and Kill Creek Park (located south of K-10 Highway and west of Olathe at 11670 Homestead Lane), and free pedal boat and canoe rentals at the marinas in both parks. The event is being held in conjunction with National Trails Day and coincides with JCPRD’s annual free fishing weekend when both state and district fishing and boating permits are waived. For specific details on all the day’s activities and fun, please visit www.jcprd.com.
Kansas City, Mo. Parks & Recreation
Blue River Trail Walk
Blue River Athletic Fields, I-435 & Blue River Rd.
Saturday, June 2, 11 a.m. to noon
www.kcmo.org/parks
Celebrate National Trails Day on one of Kansas City and Jackson County's newest trails! Meet at the Blue River Athletic Fields for a ¼-mile walk to the Blue River Bridge for a brief dedication ceremony. Following the event, guests can return or explore the rest of the trail.
Kansas City, Mo.
Trail System Cleanup and Honeysuckle & Invasive Plant Removal
Saturday June 2, 8 to 11 a.m.
Roanoke Park
Meet at Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, Mo.
Snacks and refreshments will be available.
RSVP on Facebook or email bscm8@umkc.edu
Join the Roanoke Park Conservancy, KCMO Parks, and Earth Riders Trails Association for a National Trails Day event on Saturday, June 2, from 8 – 11 a.m. to aid in the effort for complete ecological restoration of Roanoke Park. The unrelenting fight against bush honeysuckle will continue along with trail construction in the Phase C area of the Roanoke Park Trails System. Volunteers will meet at 8 am in front of the Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road, for coffee and assignments before heading out into the field.
Please RSVP on Facebook or e-mail Trail Steward Brett Shoffner at bscm8@umkc.edu.
Leavenworth, Kan., Parks & Recreation
5-mile Creek Trail Pedestrian Bridge & National Trails Day Celebration
Saturday, June 2, 8:30 a.m.
Candlewood Drive & Tudor Drive, Leavenworth, Kan.
913-651-2203
www.lvks.org
The city marks National Trails Day with the grand opening of a new pedestrian bridge across 5-mile Creek. Celebrate the new trail connectivity between 10th and 20th Streets, giving runners, walkers, bicyclists and children many miles of safe routes to use. A free 5k walk will be held in conjunction with the grand opening festivities.
Leawood, Kan., Parks & Recreation
Saturday, June 2, 9 to10:30 a.m.
The Nature Center at Ironwoods Park, Leawood, Kan.
913-339-6700 x201
www.leawood.org/parks
Leawood Parks and Recreation invites participants out to Ironwoods Park to enjoy the scenic trails and Prairie Oak Nature Center. Check in at the Nature Center for trail information and maps.
Merriam, Kan.
National Trails Day Roll, Stroll and Wag
Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m.
Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, Kan.
913/322-5551
www.merriam.org/parks
Roll (ride your bike) or stroll (walk or jog) on the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail with your favorite dog wagging his tail. Both north and south routes available for riding or walking. Guests can also shop at the Merriam Farmers Market at the Marketplace and listen to the free entertainment. Light refreshments and door prizes available.
Platte County Parks & Recreation
Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m.
English Landing Park, Parkville, Mo.
816/270-4653
www.platteparks.com
Join fellow hikers and bikers on the newly refurbished trail in English Landing Park and learn about new plans to extend the trail along the river.
Contact:
Lesley Rigney, lrigney@marc.org or
816/701-8355
Twitter
Facebook
Flickr
YouTube