By Sara Wiercinski
Big plans are underway to enhance trails in south Kansas City.
Construction of a 10-foot wide concrete trail will connect the Blue River Trail from south Minor Park to Martha Truman Road, where it meets Blue River Road. The .8 mile Blue River Trail Martha Truman Connector is designed as a shared-use bicycle and walking trail. Construction will begin in 2025 and be completed by the end of that year.
“This is just a first step. Our goal is to fully connect all our trails, so no one has to sacrifice their trail experience by getting on a busy street,” said Councilman Johnathan Duncan, who represents the 6th District and serves on the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee. “These are more than just nature trails, they are a way to get around the city.”
Improving this section of trail is part of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Metro Green Plan and the Trails KC Plan, connecting to the Indian Creek Trail, Trolley Trail and across the state line into Kansas.
“These trails introduce people to nature, allow for exercise and leisure,” said Richard Allen, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director. “The construction projects put contractors to work and add money into the local economy.”
Future projects will extend the Blue River Trail farther, and are also the result of a combination of federal and local funds.
At the July 18 Kansas City Council meeting, members voted in favor of an ordinance authorizing funding for the Blue River Trail Martha Truman Connector Segment 2, which would build a bridge over the Blue River. Council also voted to approve funding the Blue River Trail Missouri Pacific Railroad Connector, which would connect the Blue River Trail to Jackson County-owned trail systems. Combined funding for both projects is $1,500,000 from federal TAP sources, with $500,000 matched from the District 6 PIAC budget.
After this phase of expansion, the Blue River Trail will end at Martha Truman Road. From there, the longer-term goal is partnering with the City of Grandview for a pedestrian connection along Martha Truman Road, which would “really open up Grandview and South Kansas City to the trail system,” said Allen.
More development, and with it the need for public feedback, will follow. Duncan shared that he is in initial discussions with councilmembers representing the 5th District about converting parts of the closed Blue River Road into trailways. Opportunities for the public to weigh in on these ideas will be announced soon.
“When you talk about place-making here in Kansas City, this is it,” said Duncan. “We have the political will right now and can take steps to fully activate our trail system.”