The paved trail known as the Lawrence Loop — which goes past Clinton Lake, the Kansas River, and the wetlands on its route around the city — is nearing completion, with only four segments left to construct.
The city has been adding segments to the loop, which will ultimately provide a continuous 22-mile concrete path around the city, for about 20 years, and only about 3.5 miles remain incomplete. The city has broken the remaining gaps into four segments and one crossing, and funding for all five projects has been included in the city’s five-year plan for capital projects. Though exact routes and funding must still be finalized, advocates for completing the loop are excited to see a plan laid out.
“We are really excited that the city continues to make those investments and to see the development of trails as an important priority,” said Chris Tilden, chair of Friends of Lawrence Area Trails (FLAT).
The city’s 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan includes about $10 million in funding for the five projects, with two projects planned for next year. The projects include: Eighth Street to Santa Fe Depot (2023), Michigan Street to Sandra Shaw Park (2023), Iowa Street crossing (2024), Seventh Street to Constant Park (2025), and Queens Road to Kasold Drive (2027). The City Commission approved funding for the two projects planned for 2023 as part of its annual budget process, and the remaining years serve as a planning document for future budgets. The city plans to seek outside grants to help support some of the projects.
