Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

T rails banked when it was no longer used by the railroad. The existing ballast of the rail line is currently used as the surface for the trail. This trail, once fully developed, will be a primary North/ South trail in Topeka. Warren Nature Area at 25th and SW Gage (south of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital and Kansas Neurological Institute) includes over two miles of grass trails through this wetland environment, one of the premier bird watching areas of Topeka. A large section of the Shunga Trail runs through this area, allowing access to hikers, bikers, skaters, etc. Enter through the Felker Park parking lot at SW 25th and Gage Streets. The Dornwood Trail at SE 25th and Highland has two miles of unpaved bark chipped hiking trails through forest, abandoned rock quarry, stream side and tallgrass prairie. Enter from SE 25th Street. Grant Park at SW 65th and Baker Drive is a native prairie (never been plowed) which is loaded with wild flowers during June. A trail is mowed around the edge of the park with many bird boxes. Walking throughout the area is encouraged. Enter from University Avenue. Welton Grove Park at SW 39th and Cambridge is a 45-acre natural area with mowed trails. This park is part of a storm water detention area. There is a small creek that winds through the wooded site. Enter at Atwood or Atwood Terrace. Clarion Park at SW 37th and Fairlawn contains an unpaved natural trail that goes around the pond through one of the largest stands of Red Cedar on public property. This gives the visitor a feeling of being in a national forest, as there is little wind or sunlight. Skyline Park at 3511 SW Skyline Parkway, features Burnett’s Mound, the highest elevation in Topeka, where visitors can overlook the entire city. The surrounding area is being encouraged to return to native grass by spring burning. There are unpaved trails in the southern part of the park. MacLennan State Park at 1st and SW Fairlawn borders the Kansas River on its north side. The park’s extensive dirt trails traverse miles of mostly oak forest and prairie meadows, as well as several ponds, and contain abundant deer, birds and other wildlife. Enter through the Cedar Crest (Governor’s Residence) parking lot. The City of Topeka and Shawnee County have cooperatively published a “Trails Map” for Topeka and Shawnee County. Call 785368-3895 to obtain a copy of the map. Topeka’s Shunga Trail is a paved recreational trail for walking, jogging, skating and biking, running from the northeast corner of Topeka to the southwest corner. Much of the trail passes through City parks, allowing for additional recreational activities for the entire family. The Shunga Trail (near the Oakland Community Center and the Oakland Pool) begins at Oakland Billard Park at Sardou and Poplar Streets, and runs to Santa Fe Park, a distance of 1.3 miles. The Shunga Trail running from Crestview Park (near the Crestview Community Center and the Crestview Pool) east to the Kansas Expocentre and on to SE Tenth Street, approximately 7.5 miles. In the future the two sections will be connected, enabling users to traverse the entire city. The Lake Shawnee Trail opened in 2006 and winds nearly seven miles around the lake, often running alongside the water and sometimes crossing over it on specially constructed bridges. The trail takes walkers and riders past the Lake Shawnee Golf Course, the Ensley Botanical Gardens and recreational sites such as ball diamonds, the yacht club, boating docks and more. Landon Trail is being developed on the former MoPac rail line that was rail 48 Topek a Reloc at ion Gu ide 20 09

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

Topeka Relocation Guide 2009 Contents Topeka's Pioneering Spirit Prevails During Turbulent Economic Times The Topeka & Shawnee County Library is "Your" Place Topeka Arts Community Grows Through ARTSConnect Topeka Bragging Rights History of Topeka Choosing Topeka Little Know Facts About Topeka 15 Things to Experience in Topeka What's a Young Professional to Do? Topeka in Profile Transportation Lodging Brick Oven: American Cuisine with a Multi-Cultural Twist Great Overland Station: Rich History, Elegant Architecture Religious Organizations Libraries, Shopping and Child Care Referral Housing Income Demographics Business and Industry Topeka MSA Employment Education Higher Education Opportunities Healthcare Local Transportation Taking Care of Pets Utilities Cultural Activities Trails Festivals Attractions Important Numbers Community Information Sources Licensing Agencies Employment Agencies

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