The newest segment of the Lawrence Loop was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 31st, 2024.

The segment runs begins at the Santa Fe Depot and continues to the intersection of 8th and Delaware Streets. It is mile 0 of the Lawrence Loop and is the path’s trailhead.

Construction of the $245,755.00 project was begun in late April and was recently completed. The new segment extends the Lawrence Loop Segment 1 which continues from 8th and Delaware through the Lawrence Art’s District along Delaware. The Loop Segment 1 continues through Hobbs park to 11th Street.

The Loop then extends to Segment 2 which runs along the Burroughs Trail.

During the ceremony, Parks and Recreation Director Luis Ruiz, announced that a piece of will be installed along the new section of the trail in the future. The art will commemorate the La Yarda neighborhood. La Yarda was a Mexican American housing community created by the Santa Fe Railroad to house workers from 1920-51.

The art is commissioned by The Lawrence Arts Center, in collaboration with LiveWell Douglas County and the City of Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture. It is funded by a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.