About Us

Friends of Lawrence Area Trails is a nonprofit organization devoted to developing, promoting and maintaining a robust, accessible trails system serving the diverse people and communities of Douglas County and Northeast Kansas.

Our three primary roles are to raise funds for trail construction, build a community of trails supporters, and advocate for city, county and state investment in trails.

Vision

We envision a time when Lawrence area residents and visitors of all ages and abilities have convenient access to a trail system that delivers healthy people, economic growth and a green future.

Goals

• Complete the Lawrence Loop, the 22 mile paved trail that will eventually circle the city.
• Expand the Lawrence area trail network–paved, crushed gravel and dirt trails–for the benefit of all.
• Build a strong local community of trail lovers, and act as its collective voice.

We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Please visit the Donate page located under the Support Flat tab on our website to make your tax-deductible contribution to Friends of Lawrence Area Trails.

Board of Directors

Chris Tilden

Chair

Passionate about the outdoors and getting people in Northeast Kansas outdoors. Engaged in many initiatives to promote cycling, running, walking, and all kinds of outdoor activities. Most mornings well before sunrise you’ll find him out running the roads and trails of Lawrence. Public health professional. Works at the University of Kansas.

Larry Irick

Secretary

Avid road and gravel cyclist, having spent many years riding Douglas County roads. Outdoor travel adventurer. Spent his childhood in Baldwin City and has lived in Lawrence since 2003. Retired Westar Energy vice president and general counsel.

Christina Gentry

Board Member

Hello, my name is Christina Gentry (She/ Her /Hers ) and I've been an active Lawrence community resident for over 15 years. My five children and I enjoy athletic activities, especially those played during warmer weather. We have found new joy in discovering nature in trails that exist here. My professional stewardship moves me to strive for creating equitable outcomes for our marginalized identities surviving in Douglas County. I therefore look to make all of our community an accessible and sustainable environment for everyone that calls Lawrence " home".

Judith Gipp

Board Member

Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Reservation in North & South Dakota. A graduate of KU and the University of New Mexico with a focus is in Health, Sport and Exercise Science. Judith is an advocate for recreation, fitness and sport opportunities for all. She has lived in Lawrence for over 20 years and is excited to be part of the FLAT Team.

Susan Patton

Communication Coordinator

As Communication Coordinator I represent FLAT on social media and I am responsible for the website and the FLAT newsletters. My background is design. I am a retired from KU where I was a User Experience / User Interface Designer. I am passionate about walking and capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of my camera. I am proud to say that I’ve walked and photographed the entire Lawrence Loop.

Eric Nelson

Board Member

Hello, my name is Eric Nelson and I am excited to be joining the FLAT board this year (‘24). I have been a secondary science teacher for over twenty five years and I currently lead student outdoor programs and teach Chemistry. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and I spend a lot of time cycling, hunting and hiking. I feel that trails and dedicated open spaces are important componants that improve the quality of life in a community. Lawrence is a great place to live and I hope to be helpful in developing trails and outdoor opportunities for residents.

Marcos Markoulatos

Board Member

I enjoy Gravel, MTB and Road cycling around the midwest. I have dedicated probably too much time to the sport over the last 13 or so years but I wouldn't change a thing. I feel that today more than ever a robust trail network is a vital part of a city and community as the roads become ever more treacherous for bicycles. The ability to get out with friends, have good conversation and get a good workout is important whether you're just starting out or a professional. Helping build a diverse network of trails is what motivates me as a member of this board.

Joshua Falleaf

Board Member

Joshua Falleaf, Lenape (Delaware Tribe of Indians), has lived in Lawrence for 15 years and is the Director of Economic Development at the Lawrence Chamber. He’s served on many boards and commissions throughout the community and is excited to serve on the board for FLAT. Joshua and his family enjoy bike rides on the Lawrence Loop from early Spring to late Fall. Previously, Joshua taught in the Department of English and served as Dean of the College of Humanities and Arts at Haskell Indian Nation University.

Jared Gab

Board Member

A father, cyclist, hiker, and canoeist. I first arrived to attend KU, but Lawrence quickly became home and has been for 20 years. As a member of the board, I am eager to promote the great ways to travel through the Lawrence area and advocate for more.