FLAT KS

Juneteenth '24
2024-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | South Park, 1141 Massachusetts S, Lawrence, 66045, United States
Juneteenth is a day to commemorate freedom, celebrate African American culture, and reflect on our journey toward equality. Let’s come together to honor this important moment in history.
Let’s make Juneteenth 2024 a celebration to remember!
Be sure to drop by FLAT’s table at the event for local area trail information.

Community Bike Ride
2024-07-21 08:30 - 11:00 | Lawrence Rotary Arboretum Trailhead, 27th and Waukarusa, Lawrence, 66047, United States
The Lawrence, KS community bike ride happens each year on the 3rd Saturday in July. We start at 8:30am at the Rotary Arboretum and have lots of options for everyone.

Mark your calendars, save the date, and make plans now to attend the 2024 Lawrence Community Bike Ride on Saturday, July 20th from 8:30 – 11:00am.

FOUR rides to choose from (or skip the group and ride anytime)
FREE Helmets with complementary fittings
Bright Colored Ride Shirts (while supplies last)

All rides and festivities begin at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum located at 27th and Wakarusa by the YSC Soccer Fields.
(In the event of rain, the event will be held Sunday, July 21)

Finding La Yarda | Interactive Installation
2024-08-09 17:00 - 2024-09-21 21:00 | Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Finding La Yarda is an immersive multimedia art experience recreating a room from La Yarda, the housing unit built for Mexican American railroad workers in Lawrence, Kansas from 1920-51. Using film, sound, art, and digital storytelling practices, Finding La Yarda brings oral history to life by taking audiences on a cultural journey through time and place. Contributing Artists include Justin Favela, Ann Dean, Jonathan Christensen Caballero, Brenna Buchanan Young, Jeremy Rockwell, Peter Jasso, and Marlo Angell.
A creative team of artists has worked in close collaboration with former La Yarda residents and their descendants to manifest this project. The installation uses experiential tools to create an artistically rendered living space from the La Yarda apartments. From brick facades to a recreated garden and interior kitchen, tactile set pieces add a physical dimension to the housing unit that until now has only been visible through photographs and paintings. ​
Design Architect Brenna Buchanan Young created floor plans and blueprints for this work. Artist Jeremy Rockwell built the structure on a life-size scale.​​
Former Ceramics Artist-in-Residence Jonathan Christensen Caballero’s ceramic sculptures were molded from the families’ hands, faces, and feet. They provide isolated moments for participants to reflect on. ​
Mixed media artist Justin Favela has created a wall-length mural and tree using piñata inspired materials. The mural takes inspiration from the impressionistic childhood memories of the residents and the tree will be created through a hands-on collaborative process with the community.
​To take the impact of this project outside of the Arts Center walls, photographic portraits of the living residents of La Yarda taken by photographer Ann Dean will be displayed on the Lawrence Loop at 8th and Delaware. These large-scale images will highlight the contributions of the Mexican American community in Lawrence and reach people outside of traditional gallery spaces.
Television screens mounted in window sills and table tops reveal fleeting moments and memories through the medium of experimental film created by Marlo Angell and Peter Jasso.​
Through these elements, attendees will experience the domestic atmosphere, emotional connections, cultural celebrations, and environmental struggles that took place both within and outside the walls of La Yarda.
INSIGHT Art Talk | September 16, 7 pm
This project is produced by the Lawrence Arts Center by a sub-award from Stories for All: A Digital Storytelling Project for the Twenty-First Century, an initiative hosted by the Hall Center for the Humanities in partnership with the Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities at the University of Kansas and supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Justin Favela’s participation is made possible by visiting artist grant support from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.

INSIGHT Art Talk | Finding La Yarda Artists
2024-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Join us for an evening with the Finding La Yarda team of artists as they discuss the process and history of the Finding La Yarda installation!
Finding La Yarda is an immersive multimedia art experience recreating a room from La Yarda, the housing unit built for Mexican American railroad workers in Lawrence, Kansas from 1920-51. Using film, sound, art, and digital storytelling practices, Finding La Yarda brings oral history to life by taking audiences on a cultural journey through time and place. Contributing Artists include Justin Favela, Ann Dean, Jonathan Christensen Caballero, Brenna Buchanan Young, Peter Jasso, and Marlo Angell.

Walk the Loop — Sports Pavilion Lawrence Trailhead
2024-10-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Sports Pavilion Lawrence Trailhead, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence, KS, United States
Park in the Sports Pavilion Lawrence parking lot and meet the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation team outside of the front entrance of Sports Pavilion Lawrence at 5:30 p.m. We will start the walk from there, and participants can feel free to walk as long or as little as they would like. See the flyer for more information. We hope to see you there!

Walk the Loop — Lawrence Arboretum Trailhead
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Lawrence Rotary Arboretum Trailhead, 27th and Waukarusa, Lawrence, 66047, United States
Park in the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum parking lot and meet the LMH Health team at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot. The walk will start from there, and participants can feel free to walk as long or as little as they would like. See the flyer for more information. We hope to see you there! https://simplebooklet.com/walktober2024

Walk the Loop — Baker Wetlands Discovery Center Trailhead
2024-10-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Baker Wetlands Discovery Center Trailhead, 1365 N. 1250 Road, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
Park in the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center parking lot and meet the Live Well Douglas County team at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot. The walk will start from there, and participants can feel free to walk as long or as little as they would like. See the flyer for more information. We hope to see you there! https://simplebooklet.com/walktober2024

Walk the Loop — Burcham Park Trailhead
2024-10-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Burcham Park Trailhead, South Powerhouse Road, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Park in the Burcham Park parking lot and meet the Friends of Lawrence Area Trails (FLAT) team at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot. The walk will start from there, and participants can feel free to walk as long or as little as they would like. See the flyer for more information. We hope to see you there! https://simplebooklet.com/walktober2024

Beers of the Kaw
2024-11-03 15:00 - 18:00 | Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Beer of the Kaw is a beer tasting of the breweries in the Kansas River watershed, which is 61,000 square miles! We use beer and water to educate about the watershed. Come join us to learn a little, taste a little beer, and support our work for the Kansas River!

16th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2025-02-28 18:00 - 22:00 | Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Plan to stop by FLAT’s table at the Wild and Scenic Film Fest on 2/28 at Liberty Hall for the latest local area trail happenings and news. Lobby time is from 6:00-7:00pm. Hope to see you there!
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), in 2003. This Festival benefits Friends of the Kaw, all proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of the Kaw and the Kansas Riverkeeper Program.

Trails that Connect Us '25
2025-04-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Free State Brewing Company Bottling Facility, 1927 Moodie Road, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
Thursday, April 24, 5-8:00 pm.
Free State’s Eastside Bottling Facility, 1927 Moodie Road
There will be food trucks, music and beer. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, go on a brewery tour, get area trail information.
There is easy access from the Burroughs Trail, so cycling or walking is encouraged!
Dogs on leash are welcome outside.
This is getting exciting!
– Music: Signal Ridge
– Food Trucks: Burger Bus, JB’s Tacos, Rainbow Ice Company
– Bike Valet Parking PLUS get a FREE beer if you bike to the event
– Kids Activities: Dottie LPR Book Mobile, Prairie Park Nature Center, Watkins Museum of History, Little Red School House
– Bring your dog on a leash and stop by Love Grub
– Trail and Area Information Tables:
— FLAT
— Baker Wetlands
— Divine Nature Therapy
— Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization
— Friends of Clinton State Park
— Friends of the KAW
— Kansas Biological Survey
— Kansas Geological Survey
— Kansas Land Trust
— Kansas Trails Council
— Kaw Valley Bluebird Society
— Lawrence Bike Club
— Lawrence Bird Alliance
— Lawrence Mountain Bike Club
— Lawrence Park & Rec — give your feedback on the Lawrence Bike Plan
— Lawrence Public Library (Seed library)
— LiveWell Douglas County
— Monarch Watch
— Outdoors Unscripted Festival
— Outside for a Better Inside
— Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop
— The Reflector
— Top City Trail Alliance
— University Press of Kansas

Community Bike Ride 2025
2025-07-19 08:30 - 11:00 | Lawrence Rotary Arboretum Trailhead, 27th and Waukarusa, Lawrence, 66047, United States
The Lawrence, KS community bike ride happens each year on the 3rd Saturday in July. We start at 8:30am at the Rotary Arboretum and have lots of options for everyone.
Mark your calendars, save the date, and make plans now to attend the 2025 Lawrence Community Bike Ride on Saturday, July 19th from 8:30 – 11:00am. Rain date Sunday July 20th.
Four mile guided ride at 9:30am
Twelve mile guided ride at 8:45am
FREE Helmets with complementary fittings (while supplies last)
Bright Colored Ride Shirts (while supplies last)
All rides and festivities begin at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum located at 27th and Wakarusa by the YSC Soccer Fields.

La Yarda Public Art Red Ribbon Celebration
2025-09-20 17:30 - 20:00 | Lawrence Loop, Lawrence, KS, United States
Come celebrate the unveiling of the new public art installation honoring the La Yarda community on September 20. The event begins with a red ribbon dedication of the mural panels created by artist Javy Ortiz at the corner of the Lawrence Loop at 8th & Delaware. Mariachi musicians will guide community members down the trail to Van Go (715 New Jersey Street) for a community celebration with refreshments and live music. Maria the Mexican will perform an invigorating selection of music inspired by each of the six mural panels.
The La Yarda Public Art Project was produced by the Lawrence Arts Center and made possible by funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of LiveWell Douglas County’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant. This project recognizes the contributions of the La Yarda residents and invites visitors to revisit history while engaging in the outdoor trail system. Historical signage to accompany this artwork is supported by the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program. The celebration is made possible from grant support from the City of Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Special thank you to the steering committee comprised of members from the La Yarda families, art professionals from the City of Lawrence, the Lawrence Arts Center and the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, and community partners from LiveWell Douglas County and the Watkins Museum of History.​
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Javy Ortiz is a Mexican-born interdisciplinary artist residing in Lawrence, KS. As a self-taught artist, Javy works prolifically to expand his knowledge and craftsmanship while embracing an experimental approach to creating. He pulls inspiration from personal experiences, as well as pop culture and contemporary social issues. Mixing and layering mediums such as acrylics, spray paint, and epoxy resin, Javy creates compositions that explore identity and resemble the path we navigate through our daily lives. Javy’s work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions regionally and can be found in many private collections.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Influenced by traditional Mariachi music, Maria The Mexican is a mezcla of Mexican folklore and Rock n’ Roll. For ten years, Maria Elena Cuevas performed with her grandmother’s mariachi band Mariachi Estrella. In 2012, Maria connected with longtime Alt-R&B musician Garrett Nordstrom to form the fusion of Maria The Mexican. MTM is mixed with a touch of blues, soul, funk, and rock n’ roll enhanced by the musical knowledge and sounds of Nordstrom. With a southwestern flare and melancholy motifs, Maria The Mexican rocks it out in Spanish and English with a host of emotion.
LA YARDA HISTORY
Throughout Lawrence’s history, people have immigrated to Douglas County for work and made the area home. Few communities have shared closer bonds than the Mexican-American community of La Yarda. Two depressions in Mexico at the turn of the century, unrest brought on by the Mexican Revolution (1910-1925), and a high demand for railroad workers brought men to America for work. These railroad workers (who in Lawrence came mostly from Vera Cruz or Juarez) were usually employed with the railroad from March until October, when many returned to Mexico. In the 1920s, housing was built in Lawrence’s Santa Fe yards to encourage employees and their families to remain year-round. This Mexican-American community, the first housing complex in Lawrence, came to be known as La Yarda.
Formerly located just east of the Santa Fe Railroad, La Yarda consisted of two U-shaped brick buildings on concrete slab, each divided into five housing units. It was referred to by the outside community as the Sante Fe Apartments. The two buildings, each housing about 50 people, faced each other with a wide courtyard that was the hub of community activity. The courtyard provided a pump that was connected to the city water supply, and a large tree stood at one end that provided shade for communal meals. Outhouses were located at the perimeter and gardens were grown at the other end of the complex. The structures were prone to flooding, but the construction method allowed for cleaning by hosing down after a flood.
Generosity and a close-knit family enabled the Mexican-American community to make it through hard times. The women worked side by side doing laundry, cooking, and keeping a watchful eye on the children. The men tended the gardens, growing foods such as corn, peppers, chickens, and hogs, that were shared within the community. No one went hungry—not even strangers passing through from the trains. There was always a welcoming smile and respect for another human being. Members socialized, worked, and often attended religious services together. Residents built tennis, basketball courts, and a baseball diamond where children could play.
The flood of 1951 destroyed La Yarda. Families that called the area home moved into homes on Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York streets. The local Mexican-American community has kept a close tie to its heritage through faith, music, dance, and community. The community celebrates their heritage with the annual St. John’s Mexican Fiesta, which began in 1981 and has continued to grow larger and more popular each year.

Cameron's Bluff Open House
2025-11-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Come learn about an exciting new trail system that’s in the works!
Cameron’s Bluff Trails
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Wed., November 19
Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Bring your curiosity, questions and comments.
There will be a short presentation at 5:45 p.m. and table displays so you can learn more about the project. Representatives will be available to take comments and answer questions.
For more info visit the Cameron’s Bluff project page

Lawrence Loop Completion Feedback Session
2026-02-02 16:30 - 18:30 | Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating the Lawrence Bikes Plan with a focused effort on identifying alignments to close gaps in the Lawrence Loop Shared Use Path. Closing gaps in the loop has been a high priority identified by the public from the previous two engagement opportunities. This phase invites the public to share input on specific segments identified for consideration as part of closing Loop gaps.
Review the identified Lawrence Loop alignment options for consideration and share your input with the Bike Plan Update Steering Committee. Are there concerns or considerations related to these alignments? Provide feedback by attending our open house or sharing comments online to help shape recommendations in the Lawrence Bikes Plan.
Give Your Feedback

2026-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
17TH ANNUAL WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 at LIBERTY HALL, LAWRENCE, KS
Doors open at 6:00 PM; Show starts at 7:00 PM
Tickets $20
GET YOUR TICKETS AT www.universe.com/events/51LF0G
Buy your raffle ticket and renew membership here!
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), in 2003. Read more about the festival’s origins at www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/about-the-festival. Since then, it has evolved into the largest environmental film festival in the nation. The annual event each January in Nevada City, CA kicks off the nationwide tour to over 125 cities. We think the films are just too good, and the messages too powerful to keep them to ourselves. Join us on February 27th and see for yourself! Watch the trailer for this year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival!
All proceeds from the Lawrence event will benefit Friends of the Kaw and our work for the Kansas River.
Members Kayak Raffle! Enter to win a Perception Conduit 13 sit-in kayak – perfect for paddling the Kansas River! The winner will be announced at the film festival on February 27, 2026. Raffle tickets are $10.00 and you must be a member to purchase. Not a member? Join or renew today and receive a $10.00 off coupon! Learn more and get your raffle tickets HERE!

FLAT Community Survey Public Engagement Events
2026-04-17 12:00 - 14:00 | Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Drop by the Lawrence Public Library to talk with FLAT and take our FLAT Community Engagement Survey. We would love your input and insights.
We will be in the Lawrence Public Library lobby Friday, April 17, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday April 19 from noon to 2:00 each day.

Trails That Connect Us
2026-04-24 17:00 - 20:00 | Free State Brewing Company Bottling Facility, 1927 Moodie Road, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
! UPDATE ! Trails That Connect Us has been moved to Friday evening April 24th due to the threat of severe weather.
The Friday forecast appears fabulous, Hope to see you then.
There will be food trucks, music, and Free State Beer.
With bike valet parking, FREE SAMPLE SIZE BEER.
Local organizations including:
– Baker Wetlands
– Friends of Lawrence Area Trails
– Kansas Trails Inc
– Haskell Cultural Center
– Prairie Park Nature Center
– Lawrence Bike Club
– WildDouglas County
– KU Natural History Museum
– Lawrence Arts Center
– Friends of the Kaw
– And dozens more!
Look for a couple of surprise activities.
