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Category Archives: Exercise
Upgrades on Fort Scott’s East Side Are In the Works
Upgrades to Third Street Park, Nelson Park and the Ellis Park Soccer Field are in the works by the City of Fort Scott.
“The City of Fort Scott is working on upgrades to the 3rd Street Park bathrooms, ” Mary Wyatt, Fort Scott’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, said. “I’ve ordered new bathroom doors, Ron Hurd Construction is going to be framing in the new doors, Stoughton’s Plumbing will be drilling sink holes into the concrete in both bathrooms and installing sinks, we (the City of Fort Scott)are installing motion lights, security cameras, and automatic locks for the bathroom doors. Evergy (the electric utility) has made a donation of a 35-foot pole to the project and CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative) has also been involved in the technology aspect of this project.”
Third Street Park is located at 600 E 3rd St., a few blocks east of Hwy. 69.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team received a grant to install new playground equipment and new concrete stairs that have added better access in the multi-level park in 2023.
“Through funding from Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, HBCAT started the Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods placemaking projects,” according to Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Director in a prior interview.
A Building Up Our Neighborhoods Placemaking project through HBCAT repaired the bathrooms and existing structures, including the basketball goal.
To view the prior story:
“HBCAT initially started the 3rd Street Park project in 2023 and had new playground equipment and fall protection installed, the City of Fort Scott promised assistance on the project in the form of upgrading the bathrooms,” Wyatt said. “The City of Fort Scott has paid for the bathroom doors and security equipment and will be paying Stoughton’s Plumbing for their services and Jeff Allen for electrical work and CrawKan for the technology work, Ron Hurd Construction has volunteered to donate their time to frame in the new bathroom doors, and Evergy donated a bare 35-foot pole.”
“The HBCAT 3rd Street Park project was paid for by a grant that HBCAT applied for and were awarded, but the bathrooms portion of the project is paid for by the City of Fort Scott,” Wyatt noted.
The bathroom completion timeline is the end of May.
“There are a lot of moving parts and coordinating of individuals and businesses to make it all come together, but it is my goal to have the bathrooms completed and opened to the public by Memorial Day weekend,” she said.
Wyatt has been working on other projects for youth.
“I am also currently working on a project to make upgrades to Nelson Park, I’ve recently attended several Community Development and Grant Writing workshops and have found many resources that could lead to grant funding opportunities to fund the Nelson Park project,” she said. Nelson Park can be accessed from East Wall Street, turning north on Grant Street
“A few months ago, I completed a project that brought flashing school zone speed limit signs to both Margrave Street on the east side of Fort Scott as well as on National Avenue on the west side of Fort Scott and also just received additional flashing school zone signs that will be placed on Horton Street. The cost of the flashing school zone signs were split between the USD234 school district and the City of Fort Scott.”
“I am also currently looking into a project that could hopefully help resurface the Ellis Park soccer field this summer,” she said. Ellis Park is near the Fort Scott Middle School, on Twelveth Street.
Improved Walking Trail In The Making For Uniontown Community
An improved walking trail around the USD 235 Campus is in the making. The trail is an oval around the two school buildings in Uniontown and is used by many in the community.
Work began on March 11 to dig up the old asphalt.
“Everything that was asphalt will be replaced with concrete,” said Uniontown Schools Superintendent Vance Eden. “The new path will be 5 feet wide and ADA compliant.”
“Excavation/demolition is being donated by Brian Stewart and Jason Koch.” Vance said. “The (concrete) replacement is being done by Tri-state Building of Pittsburg. The project was bid by several contractors and they had the winning bid.”
The major part of the community improvement project is through the Recreational Trails Program by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, he said.
“The district will cover its portion through in-kind donations and also our Capital Outlay Fund,” Eden said. “Donations of the excavation by Brian Stewart and Jason Koch, a gravel donation of 800 tons by Mary and Don Pemberton of Bandera Stone, and a donation of the rock hauling by Bourbon County (Public Works Department) all help us minimize the district’s cash portion.
The project should be completed by late April or early May.
“Spring weather could be a factor but we are planning on it taking around 6 to 8 weeks,” he said.
Walk Kansas registration is open
Walk Kansas registration is open
March 4, 2024
The weather is warming up, which is a sign that it is almost time for Walk Kansas! Walk Kansas is an eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six-member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, you can be assigned to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. Registration is open now at WalkKansas.org, and the program will take place from March 31st through May 25th. The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
- Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
- Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
- Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group;
- And more!
For more information, contact Clara Misenhelter with the Southwind Extension District at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected].
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Renovated, Wider Walking Trail On The Horizon for Uniontown
The Uniontown Walking Trail is utilized daily by walkers in the small, western Bourbon County town and is slated for renovation this spring.
“Students use the trail at times and we have a significant number of patrons who use it very consistently,” said USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden. “In its current condition, some use is limited by the cracks and condition of the asphalt. We anticipate greater use by all parties after reconstruction. ”
“The district was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks- Recreational Trails Program to pay for the majority of the project,” Eden said. “The remaining cost will be completed by the district and community members or paid from our Capital Outlay Fund.”
“The Department of Wildlife and Parks contribution will be $218,800 with the total project estimated at $321,300,” he said. “The district can self-perform or solicit donations to cover its portion and will do so to the greatest extent possible.”
“The contractor, Tristate Building, will start work later this spring,” he said. “We are anticipating mid-April to be warm and hopefully dry enough to make progress on the work. It is estimated to take around six weeks to complete.”
“The vast majority of the old trail will be completely removed and replaced with an American Disability Act compliance with a concrete trail that is 5 feet in width,” he said. “The trail is approximately 1.3 miles in length.”
The original walking trail was funded also through a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant.
He said the original trail was during the early years of former Superintendent Randy Rockhold’s time with the district.
Stay Strong Stay Healthy Starts February 20th
Starting February 20th, improve your health and independence through strength-building exercises at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Stay Strong Stay Healthy class will meet twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00-10:00am, for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required, call Tara at 620-244-3826 to register and learn more.
This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to take better care of your health and join others for this fun program!
# # #
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
New Website for Fort Scott Recreation Allows Registrations/Payments Online for Convenience
The Fort Scott Recreation Center has a new website through RecDesk.
“The benefit of the new website change is that it allows people to do anything they could from our front desk on their phone or computer at their convenience,” Lucas Kelley said. “This new website also allows for online registrations and payments. This will also help with late registrations… We just switched over to this website on December 26th.”
Here is the link: https://brcc.recdesk.com/
Kelley is the FSRC recreation director and the Buck Run Community Center Manager.
Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue and can be contacted at 620.23.0386.
“People can access it by going to brcc.recdesk.com.,” he said. “Here they will be able to view all of our programs, facilities available to rent, fitness memberships, current league standings/schedules, a calendar of events, and a preview of our Facebook page. We just switched over to this website on December 26th. When getting to the website users will have to create an account and add their household.”
Programs starting here shortly are: The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge, Tiger Kids Cheer, Taekwondo Lessons, Soul Fusion/Adult Fitness Classes.
Chamber Ribbon Cutting Jan. 11 at Freedom Fitness
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Freedom Fitness Opens at 15 S National
Lindsay and John Hill are the owners and coaches of a new business, Freedom Fitness, located at 15 S. National.
“We offer fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels,” Lindsay said. “We also offer regular gym memberships so you can come in and lift during certain hours and use equipment and facilities.”
“This was a need in our community and we are super passionate about helping others become their best self,” she said. “This will allow us to not only help people with physical fitness, but we will also be offering nutritional classes, flexibility, and mobility sessions, and so much more.”
Classes available:
Training – A Cross Training class that offers strength, flexibility, endurance, and much more.
EnduraFit – An endurance class that uses barbells and weights to move with speed and efficiency.
LIFE – A bootcamp style, focusing on body movement and functional fitness.
Masters – A class focused on seasoned individuals who want to move, have flexibility, and functional fitness using minimal weight.
FreeFit -The normal gym membership that allows individuals to focus on their own goals and programs.
KidFit- all things kids, including speed, agility, mobility, strength, plyometrics, etc.
“We will tailor all classes to fit the fitness levels and goals,” she said.
The business phone number is 620-644-2167
Business hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost for Freedom Fitness is $79/month for unlimited, and $60/month for 3 days/week.
“We look forward to serving Fort Scott with a Faith.Family.Freedom.Fitness environment,” she said. “It will be a positive, uplifting space where people can leave life at the door and focus on themselves. We want to create a space where health and fitness is a way of life – helping Fort Scott become a healthier community.”
Celebrate New Years Day With A Hike In The Park
Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes
SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.
This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.
“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”
Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on January 1, 2024, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-
What To Expect
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.
What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:
- Water
- Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
- Hiking shoes
- Binoculars
- Hiking stick
- Camera
NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).
First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.
For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-
Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.
Halloween Benefit Run for Piper Weeks This Saturday
The Fort Scott Recreation Center is facilitating an event to help a local Fort Scott High School in her battle with cancer.
“Piper Weeks is a high school student here in town who is diagnosed with bone cancer,” said Lucas Kelley, recreation director. “She is currently undergoing treatment. All proceeds from this race will be donated to the Weeks family to help with treatment costs.”
This Halloween-based 5k Run/Walk is on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9 a.m.
“It is called the Spooky Scurry,” he said. “The route begins at Frary Stadium (at FSHS, 1005 S. Main) then goes south on Main Street, east on East National, south all the way to the end of Cooper Street and back. The total route is 3.1 miles. We are encouraging all participants to wear their Halloween costumes for a chance to win the prize of tickets to the Enchant Christmas Light Show in Kansas City this winter.”
“The purpose of all our 5k Run/Walks is to help provide for a need in the community,” he said. “The cost is $30 per participant. Participants can register at Buck Run Community Center (735 Scott Avenue) or the day of the race starting at 8 a.m.”
The recreation staff has created a Venmo account to accept donations for the Weeks family. To make a contribution you can do that on Venmo with the following QR code.
A reminder that 100% of the money raised will go to help Piper Weeks with her cancer treatments.
Introducing Gravel Kansas: A Cycling Initiative that Redefines Adventure and Connection [Kansas
Gravel Kansas is thrilled to announce the official launch of its innovative cycling initiative, dedicated to crafting unforgettable gravel cycling routes across the picturesque landscapes of
The State That Made Gravel Famous©.
This exciting venture is returning to gravel roots by merging the thrill of gravel riding with the power of storytelling to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the remarkable places they traverse.
At the heart of Gravel Kansas is a commitment to celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. Through
a meticulously curated selection of gravel routes, cyclists will embark on journeys that weave through historic towns, rolling prairies, and breathtaking vistas. Each route serves as a gateway
to discovery, leading riders to hidden gems and immersing them in the tapestry of Kansas’ diverse landscapes.
“We are thrilled to introduce Gravel Kansas to cyclists around the world,” said LeLan Dains, Founding Chair of Gravel Kansas. “Our initiative is all about forging a profound bond between
people, places, and stories. With every pedal stroke, cyclists will experience the beauty, history, and character of Kansas in an entirely new way.”
This project wouldn’t be possible without funding support from Kansas Tourism.
Locally, “Bourbon on the Rocks” is the name given to the group of gravel cycling routes in Bourbon County. Those routes are anywhere from 7-60 miles. Bourbon on the Rocks routes include beginner routes that are family oriented, intermediate routes (not for the faint of heart), and a couple of advanced routes for serious gravel grinders that want to be “punished” on a ride.
Fort Scott Public Relations & Tourism Director, Jackson Tough met with LeLan Dains at the 2021 Kansas tourism conference. Jackson said, “we started brainstorming ideas about a statewide
tourism push to promote Kansas as the gravel cycling capital of the world. We organized a committee and recruited other communities.”
At the same time, Tough began working with Tayton Majors, Business Retention & Community Initiatives Manager for Bourbon County Regional Economic Development on the project.
“Tayton was a great contributor in helping to design, describe, and map our variety of a dozen gravel bicycling routes within Bourbon County, all starting and ending in or near Fort Scott.
Each of the “Bourbon on the Rocks” routes offers a payoff—whether it’s a million-dollar view, a story of local lore, or a historic feature. To view Bourbon County routes simply go to www.GravelKansas.com, click “find routes” then “southeast.” Bourbon County is at the top of
those listings.
Tough said “we anticipate even more routes being added locally and from around the state. I’m excited to see the project’s website, gravelks.com come to fruition. It’s a great step to get more
gravel cycling enthusiasts to come to Bourbon County and the state.”
For more information about Gravel Kansas and to explore the inaugural routes, please visit gravelks.com.
Follow Gravel Kansas on Facebook for updates, stories, and exciting cycling content.
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About Gravel Kansas:
Gravel Kansas is a pioneering cycling initiative that creates iconic gravel routes across the
picturesque landscapes of Kansas. Combining the thrill of gravel cycling with the power of
storytelling, Gravel Kansas aims to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the
remarkable places they explore. Through meticulously curated routes and engaging narratives,
Gravel Kansas celebrates the heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. For more
information, visit gravelks.com.
https://gravelks.com/