Get Out There: DeVictor Park Trails
Devictor Park, in west Lawrence, is located north of 15th St. and George Williams Way. It is east of the Langston Hughes Elementary School. It is a 40 acre green-belt park that features a 2.62 mile loop trail. 2.2 miles is a paved trail and 0.4 miles is a rustic nature trail. The paved portions of the trail are considered easy and are accessible though there are some inclines. The nature trail portion is not difficult but includes some inclines and is not paved.
The paved trail features two segments if you begin at the trail head near the Langston Hughes school. There is a southern segment and a segment the goes north then turns east. Connecting the paved segments is the nature trail. The pavement on the southern segment was recently completed. There is a log-like playground area, an outdoor classroom and a tree house structure. These features are located near the west entrance to the trail. Parking is available at the Langston Hughes Elementary School. Access is also available through the surrounding neighborhoods and streets.
The park land was purchased by the city in 1998. The master plan for the park was presented to the city commission in May 2005. The park was the last major project for retired Parks and Recreation director Fred DeVictor and is named in his honor. It was dedicated in March 2007.
The park features an abundance of wildlife, native grasses, and trees. The park includes mowed grass areas, drinking fountains, and benches along the trail. The trails are a wonderful gem and provides a sense of seclusion within city limits. Get out there and explore!