GARNETT, Kan. — There is something for everyone happening at the Santa Fe Depot in Garnett as the Friends of the Prairie Spirit Trail, the City of Garnett, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Prairie Spirit Trail and commemorate National Trails Day. All activities are free.
The Santa Fe Depot is located just south of Seventh Avenue on Main Street. Parking for the event will be located at Ninth Avenue and Oak Street utilizing the parking areas of the HayesBrand Molding warehouse property and parking lot owned by the City of Garnett. Signage along Seventh Avenue from Main Street to Oak Street will guide visitors to those parking areas. The depot parking lot will be reserved for handicap parking and/or drop-off only.
Schedule:
9:30 a.m. – Local, State Officials and Trail Advocates to speak, under the tent.
9:45 a.m. – Dedication of the new Bike Repair Station in memory of Ike Mader, followed by bike ride (Depart from depot going north).
9:45 a.m. – Walk/Run (Depart from depot going south).
Both events welcome participants of all ages, at your leisure and your own pace.
9:45 a.m. – History Tours of the Santa Fe Depot, “From Rails to Trails”.
9:45 a.m. – Visit display exhibits from Ottawa Bike & Trail and Southwind Cycle and Outdoor.
10:00 a.m. – Story Walk on the trail hosted by the Garnett Public Library. Story Walk begins at the Tot Lot playground located adjacent the trail, west of North Lake Park entrance.
10:30 a.m. – Bike Helmet Giveaway for Kids, hosted by Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. Fifty (50) helmets in various sizes will be given away on first come, first-serve basis. KDWP staff will assist in personalized fitting of helmets to each individual.
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Fitness Court demonstrations. Watch or participate to learn how you can benefit from this free, outdoor exercise platform no matter what your fitness level or ability.
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Free hot dogs, chips, cookies and bottled water for all attendees.
1:00 p.m. – E-Bike Raffle Drawing, fundraiser for the Friends of the Garnett Public Library.
A grand event was held at the Santa Fe Depot on March 30, 1996, officially opening the first phase of Prairie Spirit Rail Trail. Two other phases followed, lengthening the trail to a total of 51 miles. The trail stretches north from Ottawa south to Iola running right through the heart of Garnett.
Additional Information, Links: https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/about-kdwp/where-we-work/state-parks/prairie-spirit-trail
https://www.garnettkansas.gov/page/prairie-spirit-rail-trail-state-park
