By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
After a Facebook video that expressed concerns on the maintenance of a half mile trail that is part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project (SHRRP), the City of Salina and Friends of the River Foundation have addressed the concerns with a plan.
The 1/2 mile trail that was installed two years ago (October 28, 2023) behind the Salina Family YMCA, has seemingly not been well-maintained according to some public concerns.
Salina Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Hammond stated when the trail was installed, they were looking to achieve a 'prairie grass concept and flowers' on both sides and throughout the path of the trail. The goal for the concept is to have 'minimal maintenance.'
"So far we have not achieved that," said Hammond when discussing the goal for the prairie grass and flowers concept. "It is going to take a couple more years to get that prairie concept that we are trying to go for."
The trail is being funded by the City in partnership with the Friends of the River Foundation.
Jane Anderson from the Friends of the River Foundation, stated the concept of the look can be compared to the trail at Indian Rock Park. She commented on the maintenance situation as well.
"This did get out of hand and it is going to be mowed to a low level, but the hope is that when the grasses really take hold, it will only need to be mowed several times a year," she said. "This is because the prairie grasses are supposed to be tall and are not all one species. A good example of the tallgrass prairie is in the back of Lakewood Park and parts of Indian Rock Park."
Anderson also stated they are actively working with the city's parks & recreation department for mowing schedules and are creating an environment that better suits birds and wildlife as well.
"We are really trying to create a more sustainable mowing schedule for parts of the trail for the parks department, as well as creating an environment that is better for the birds and wildlife," Anderson commented.
The 1/2 mile trail behind the YMCA is part of the ongoing SHRRP, and is only the beginning of a 6.8 mile trail that will run through the Old Smoky Hill River Channel.
Hammond stated they plan on mowing the area of the trail starting next week.