rozarks urban nature trail system

8/9/2019 Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

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The RozarksUrban Nature Trail System Plan


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1The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

January 2015

Executive Summary

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

development in Rosedale is rooted in the desires

of the surrounding community: to be connected,

to provide opportunities for active living, and to

access the local natural terrain.

Rosedale Development Association (RDA)

has developed the current 4+ mile Rozarks trails

system through 1075 volunteer hours since

project inception in late 2013.

RDA hopes to develop a 7+ mile

interconnected trails network, linking Mt. Marty

Park and Rosedale Park through an

interconnected greenway along the Turkey

Creek bluffs. The initial 4+ mile Rozarks trails system will be expanded by connectingMission Cliffs through Belrose Manor and into Rosedale Park. ADA accessibility

improvements are a major priority within this trail plan and include facilities at both

Fisher and Rosedale parks. The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will build upon

pedestrian-level infrastructure redevelopment momentum Rosedale is currently

experiencingneighborhood sidewalk improvements, bike lane implementation,

pedestrian crosswalks, streetscape improvements, Safe Routes to Schools programming,

and increased physical activity levels by residents through new RDA programming.

Nature trail expansion will occur with 2 miles of loop development in Rosedale Park

and through a one-mile connector trail between Belrose Manor and Mission Cliffs. Mostof this land is currently owned by the Unified Government. There are smaller sections

that will pass through private land. Rosedale Development Association will work to gain

trail easements in this area to make community connections possible. RDA is

successfully managing a private trail easement currently within the RozarksSoutheast.

ADA accessible trail is a component of the Rozarks expansion plan. Accessibility for

all trail users is a high priority. The current limestone chat trail within Fisher Park will be

upgraded to concrete, completing a mile ADA accessible loop. 0.55 miles of ADA

accessible trail is also proposed for Rosedale Park, connecting the new Mission Cliffs

crosswalk further into the park and providing a loop trail around the current ball fields.

When completed, the Rozarks expansion project will provide an approximately 7-8

mile interconnected system of natural surface singletrack and ADA accessible trails.

Improved access to new trails, parks, and neighborhoods will promote empowered,

healthy lifestyles. The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System expansion plan will help

foster a connected, sustainable Rosedale.


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January 2015


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January 2015

Contents

Executive Summary 1

Contents 3

Project Background 5

Project Partners 6

Area Description and Demographics 7

Existing Conditions 8

Aerial Photograph 9

Topography & Hydrology 10

Soils 11

Surrounding Neighborhoods 13

Land Use & Zoning 14

Street Network 15

Sidewalk Network 16

Bikeways & Shared Use Trail Network 17

Public Transportation & Highways 18

Community Assets 19

Existing TrailDesire Paths 20

Constructed Trail Rozarks Southeast 21

Plan Coordination and Public Input 22

Project Vision and Goals 23

Benefits of Trails 24

Community Health 24

Green Infrastructure & Ecosystem Conservation 24


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January 2015

Proposed Trails Development Map 25

Proposed Trails Development 26

Estimated Total Project Budget 28

Trails Design and Construction Standards 27

Signage and Wayfinding 29

Future Maintenance Plan 30

Trails 30

Ecological Restoration 30

Funding Strategies 31

Appendix A 32


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January 2015

Project Background

Natural surface trail development in Rosedale

is rooted in the desires of the surrounding

community: to be connected, to provide

opportunities for active living, and to access the

local natural terrain.

Existing trail pieces were identified through

an in-depth field study during spring 2013 by

Rosedale Development Association Bicycle-

Pedestrian Coordinator, Brett Shoffner. The

amount of existing trails throughout the Rosedale

community was astounding. Unfortunately,

almost all of these natural trails were

unsustainable and unusable by the majority of

surrounding neighbors.

Natural surface trail development by Rosedale Development Association (RDA) and

project partners will provide new links that connect people through nature to their

surrounding neighbors and neighborhoods. Trails will provide a safe opportunity for kids

and adults to be active and enjoy the complex local ecology, geological features, and

historical sites. Bonds will be created socially between people and ecologically between

people and nature, creating community stewards who care deeply about their place.

Sustainable, accessible trails will help foster a sustainable, connected Rosedale.

RDA has developed the current 4+ mile Rozarks trails system through 1075 volunteer

hours since project inception in late 2013. The process was aided through the use ofmechanical trail building equipment and professional trail building crews provided at no

cost through project partner Urban Trail Co.

RDA hopes to develop a 7+ mile interconnected trails network, linking Mt. Marty

Park and Rosedale Park through an interconnected greenway along the Turkey Creek

bluffs. The initial RozarksSoutheast trails system will be expanded by connecting

Mission Cliffs through Belrose Manor and into Rosedale Park. ADA accessibility

improvements are a major priority within this trail plan and include facilities at both

Fisher and Rosedale parks. The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will build upon

pedestrian-level infrastructure redevelopment momentum Rosedale is currentlyexperiencingneighborhood sidewalk improvements, bike lane implementation,

pedestrian crosswalks, streetscape improvements, Safe Routes to Schools programming,

and increased physical activity levels by residents through new RDA programming.

Accessibility is key for creating the bond of stewardship described above - people must

be able to use and enjoy a place for them to care about it. Accessibility encourages

participation. Community participation is the bedrock of a sustainable place.


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January 2015

Project Partners

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System development project is led by Rosedale

Development Association in conjunction with Urban Trail Co and the Unified

Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. Project partners include:

Healthy Communities Wyandotte, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools; FreeWheels for

Kids; Bridging the Gap; Mission Cliffs Home Owners Association; Hilltop

Neighborhood Association; Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City; privatelandowners; and local residents and volunteers.


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January 2015

Area Description and Demographics

Rosedale is a four square mile community in southeast Wyandotte County, Kansas

City, Kansas (KCK). Its borders are the Kansas River to the north, County Line

Road/47th St. to the south, State Line Road to the East, and 18th St. Expressway to the

West. The area was its own municipality before being annexed by KCK in 1922.

Rosedale is considered part of KCKs urban core and is within a short drive of manypopular locations throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, including the

Country Club Plaza, Westport, Village West, downtown KCMO and KCK, and the

Johnson County suburbs.

Rosedale businesses enjoy the central location, with easy access to major highways,

including I-35 and the 18th St. Expressway (US-69). The University of Kansas Medical

Center is located within the community and is a major employer in the area. Housing

values have increased and crime has decreased in recent years. It is a prime location for

new businesses and for families to grow.


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January 2015

At nearly 14,000 residents, Rosedale is an urban core, ethnically diverse district area

located in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Its median household income was $37,200,

compared to the U.S. median of $50,220 and the Kansas median of $48,400 (2010

Census). 2011-2012 school district data shows that of the 930 students in Rosedales

three public elementary schools, 21% were Black and 53% were Hispanic, with 89% of

the students classified as economically disadvantaged. 45% of students are English

language learnersone local elementary school has twelve different languages spoken by

their students. Population densities range up to 10,000 persons per square mile.

Adult obesity in Wyandotte County is 39%, compared to the state rate of 30%. In

2008, local research showed that 51% of elementary school children in the Rosedale area

are overweight or obese, compared to 33% of children in the US. There is some

indication that these alarming numbers may be decreasing in Rosedale. An assessment ofScore 1 for Health data collected in October 2012 indicated that closer to 44% of students

at the same elementary school were overweight or obese. In 2014 rankings, Wyandotte

County ranked 98th of the 98 ranked counties in Kansas on health factors and 96th of 98

in health outcomes.


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January 2015

Existing Conditions

Aerial Photograph

Rosedale lies in the Turkey Creek valley, with floodplains along Southwest

Boulevard giving way to steep, wooded hillsides before leveling into residential

neighborhoods. Rosedale Park, KU Medical Center & Hospital, Southwest Boulevard,

the Turkey Creek Environmental Enhancement Corridor, and the Rosedale MiddleSchool track can all be seen clearly from above.


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January 2015

Topography & Hydrology

The Turkey Creek valley drains Rosedale generally from southwest to northeast,

cutting underneath Greystone Heights in a diversion tunnel to the Kansas River.

Drainages from the hillsides are semi-natural, often culverted before the floodplains

below by hillside interceptors. Much work has been done by the US Army Corps of

Engineers and Wyandotte County/KCK to prevent flooding. Because the hillsides drain

so quickly, sustainably constructed trails using the natural contours can be used bycommunity members soon after large rain events.


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January 2015

Soils

Rosedale soils are similar to other communities within the larger, glaciated Missouri

River valley area. The industrial floodplains, wooded hillsides, and populated ridges

have equally diverse geology. USDA Soil Classifications found within Rosedale include:

Kennebec, Knox, Ladoga, Bremer, Sharpsburg-Urban land, Orthents, and Vinland-Rock

outcrop complex. Orthents and Bremer, respectively, comprise the bedrock and stream

channel of Turkey Creek, while Kennebec, Knox, and Ladoga soils are found in thefloodplains and low areas of Rosedale. The Sharpsburg-Urban land complex can be

found throughout the populated ridges around homes and businesses. The Rozarks Urban

Nature Trail System will be developed primarily within the Vinland-Rock outcrop

complex.

The Vinland-Rock outcrop complex consists of shallow, excessively drained soils and

rocky outcroppings on steep side slopes. Vinland soils are characterized by dark grayish-

brown silty clay loam surface layers and firm dark brown, almost black, silty clay loam

subsoil layers. Underlying material is often grayish-dark brown mixed with weathered

shale. Total depth can range from 10-20+ inches. Rock outcroppings are places whereshale bedrock is exposed through the earth. There is no doubt that the Rozarks lie within

this soil classification.

Rocky outcroppings at Mt. Marty Park

Trail Steward Scott Lillis digs through

the rich brown soils


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January 2015


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January 2015

Surrounding Neighborhoods

Rosedales neighborhoods have a distinctive oldtown feel. Most areas are single

family homes, with multi-family housing and commercial activities found primarily near

the main corridors of Mission Road, 47thStreet, and Rainbow Boulevard. Kansas

University Medical Center and Hospital anchor the 39 thand Rainbow area and industrial

activity dominates Southwest Boulevard. The Hanover Heights neighborhood is on the

National Register of Historic Places. All Rosedale neighborhoods are safe, quiet placesto raise a family.


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January 2015

Land Use & Zoning

Zoning in Rosedale generally reflects the existing land use: industrial activity within

the Southwest Boulevard corridor, commercial activity along the Rainbow Boulevard,

Mission Road, and 47thStreet, and internal residential neighborhoods. Not depicted

within this generalized land use map are existing parks and open green space along the

wooded Turkey Creek bluffs. The Rozarks will preserve this green infrastructure and

create an amenity incentive for development while linking commercial and industrialcorridors to residential neighborhoods.


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January 2015

Street Network

Due to the steep topography along natural drainage ways, Rosedales street network

is a disjointed grid system. The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will alleviate some

of the localized transportation fragmentation by connecting neighborhoods along the

ridge through steep woodlands to other neighborhood areas or commercial activity

corridors like Mission Road or Southwest Boulevard. Local students and residents can

use the trails as a safe and healthy alternative to walking in streets with no sidewalks.


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January 2015

Sidewalk Network

Sidewalk availability in the area is spotty at best. The trails will provide shortcuts

from the upper ridgeline to the floodplains below and provide direct access to Rosedale

Middle School and Rosedale Park, two major walking destinations. The proposed trails

will provide continuity in an otherwise disjointed transportation system.


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January 2015

Bikeways & Shared Use Trail Network

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will connect to other planned county-wide

bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Once completed by the Unified Government, this

sidewalk and trails master plan will provide better access to regional destinations. Local

access routes via neighborhood connections should also be pursued and will be identified

through the 2015 Rosedale Master Plan update.


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January 2015

Public Transportation & Highways

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will be accessible by KCATA bus lines 39:

39thStreet, 51: Ward Parkway, 105: Rosedale, 107: 7 thStreet, and JO/667: Nall-

Downtown. The trails will be a destination that draws regional visitors and increases

patronage to local restaurants and businesses.


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January 2015

Community Assets

Assets are numerous in Rosedalefrom great restaurants and shops to public parks

and schools. The Rosedale Memorial Arch is a key feature of the Rozarks Urban Nature

Trail System. A local greenway connection will be made from Mt. Marty Park to Fisher

Park and Rosedale Park via private land and Mission Cliffs open space, preserving the

natural beauty for all to enjoy. KU Medical Center anchors the area of 39thand Rainbow.

Visitors and staff of the hospital and students and faculty of the university will haveaccess to the trails within three short blocks. School children at Rosedale Middle, Frank

Rushton, Holy Name, and Our Ladys Montessori can access the entire trail system from

their school grounds and homes.


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January 2015

Existing TrailDesire Paths

Existing trails were mapped through an in-depth field study during spring 2013 by

Rosedale Development Association Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator, Brett Shoffner. The

quantity of existing trails throughout the Rosedale community was surprising;

unfortunately, nearly all of these existing trails were unsustainable, overgrown, and

unusable by the majority of surrounding neighbors. Disc golf accounts for most of the

trails found within the northern parts of Rosedale Park. The other paths were largelyestablished deer trails and social paths.


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January 2015

Constructed TrailRozarks Southeast

Trails have been constructed in the southeast portion of Rosedale already. The

proposed Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System is an expansion of the initial 4 mile trail

system. Nature trail mileage would be increased; more of Rosedale would be accessible

by active alternative transportation; ADA and park improvements would be made in both

Fisher and Rosedale Parks. A sustainable, accessible Rosedale will be nurtured through a

safe, connected trails system.


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January 2015

Plan Coordination and Public Input

Trails development within Rosedale is direct, on-the-ground implementation of many

neighborhood master plans. Nature trail development, neighborhood walkability, and

community connectivity are mentioned in these Rosedale area plans:

47thand Mission Road Area Concept Plan2000

39thStreet Corridor Plan2003

Rosedale Master Plan2005

City-Wide Master Plan2008

Rosedale Green Corridor Trail Network and Revitalization Study2010

Rosedale Environmental Action Lab2010

Southwest Boulevard/Merriam Lane Corridor Master Plan2011

Sidewalk and Trails Master Plan for Unified Government2012

Healthy Communities Wyandotte Recommendations for a Better Future2012

The RozarksSoutheast Rosedale Trails Plan2014

Before the initial construction and adoption of the Rozarks Southeast, Rosedale

Development Association hosted a public meeting on September 23, 2013 to solicit input

about the proposed trails development. The week before the meeting, 94 bilingual flyers

were distributed to the adjacentproperty owners and residents.

Responses from this meeting

and through comments and

letters obtained via the

informative flyer were

overwhelmingly positive.

Community response to

completed trails has been

tremendously affirmative over

the past year. Rosedale

residents are excited to see a

long-talked about development

happening in their backyards.


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January 2015

Project Vision and Goals

Rosedale Development Association (RDA) has formalized a trails development

partnership agreement with Urban Trail Co. supporting three primary objectives:

1) Protect the land that they manage,

2)

Increase the number of visitors to the lands through the creation and management

of singletrack trails, and3) Accomplish these objectives through an efficient and economical combination of

volunteer and professional labor.

RDA and Urban Trail Co. believe

these objectives will be achieved through

an active focus on system connectivity,

accessibility, stewardship, biodiversity,

enjoy-ability, partnerships, and

sustainability. By involving people

throughout the process, we hope thatpeople will remain involved in their

communities after project completion.

RDA has also formalized partnership

with the primary land manager,

Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation, through a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU). RDA is working to secure conservation easements for trails development on

private lands.

The goals of the Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System are rooted in the desires of the

surrounding community: to be more connected, to have safe spaces for active living

opportunities, and to access the beautiful natural terrain. Trail development by Rosedale

Development Association and project partners will provide new links that connect people

through nature to their surrounding

neighbors and neighborhoods. Trails

provide a safe opportunity for kids and

adults to be active and enjoy the

complex local ecology, geological

features, and historical sites. Bonds will

be created socially between people andecologically between people and nature,

creating community stewards who care

deeply about their local place.

Sustainable, accessible trails will help

foster a sustainable, connected Rosedale.


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January 2015

Benefits of Trails

Community Health

Trails have connected people and places in the Kansas City region since before the

area was settled. From Native American hunting trails, to Lewis and Clarks journey, to

the homesteaders leaving for Santa Fe, California, or Oregon, to todays urban explorers,

trails have played an important part in shaping Rosedale and greater Kansas City andconnecting people throughout place and time.

By connecting people, trails provide fundamental socio-economic opportunities.

Home values are higher near areas with trails. Hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and

nature lovers spend hundreds of millions of dollars yearly supporting local economies

and small businesses. Residents form weekly groups to walk, run, or ride the

trails. Areas with trails provide a superior quality of life location that appeal to new

businesses and attract new residents.

Green Infrastructure & Ecosystem Conservation

Trails connect people to nature in a way that no other single recreational or natural

feature can. Want to get the feeling of being deep in the backwoods? Youll need a trail.

Want to explore local flora and fauna in their native settings? Youll need a trail. Want to

escape the madness of everyday life and take a deep breath of fresh air in a clean urban

forest? Youll need a trail!

Urban core nature trail development differs from park reserve or rural trail

developmentthere are often heaps of litter from illegal dumping and an over-abundance

of bush honeysuckle and other non-native, invasive species choking out the last remains

of native woodlands. These factors seriously affect the health of our local urban forests.

Singletrack trail development within these areas should provide a comprehensive,

ecological approach to urban forest management and that involvement of our partners and

stakeholders is vital for maintaining healthy woodlands. Using an ecologically-based,

phased approach, it is recommended that the following steps be taken for development of

urban core nature trails: 1) Invasive species

eradication, focus on trail corridor clearing.

Approximately 25-40 wide; 2) Large item trash

removal and illegal dumping clean-up; 3) Trail

construction; 4) Continued trash remediation, focus

on providing an aesthetically pleasing experiencefor park users; 5) Reforestation and repopulation of

native plant species. This comprehensive,

ecologically-based phased approach will provide

numerous short- and long-term benefits to both the

urban woodlands and surrounding neighborhoods.


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January 2015

Proposed Trails Development Map


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January 2015

Proposed Trails Development

The initial Rozarkssoutheast trails will be expanded to the south and west, forming

a continuous greenway link between Mt. Marty Park and Rosedale Park along the Turkey

Creek bluffs. Imminent housing development at Mission Cliffs will undoubtedly alter the

proposed layout; however, all steps should be taken to ensure this connection remains a

priority.

Nature trail expansion will occur with 2 miles of loop development in Rosedale Park

and through a one-mile connector trail between Belrose Manor and Mission Cliffs. Most

of this land is currently owned by the Unified Government. There are smaller sections

that will pass through private land. Rosedale Development Association will work to gain

trail easements in this area to make community connections possible. RDA is

successfully managing a private trail easement currently within the RozarksSoutheast.

ADA accessible trail is a component of the Rozarks expansion plan. Accessibility for

all trail users is a high priority. The current limestone chat trail within Fisher Park will be

upgraded to concrete, completing a mile ADA accessible loop. 0.55 miles of ADAaccessible trail is also proposed for Rosedale Park, connecting the new Mission Cliffs

crosswalk further into the park and providing a loop trail around the current ball fields.

*Please see Appendix A for more information about Fisher and Rosedale Park ADA

When completed, the Rozarks expansion project will provide an approximately 7-8

mile interconnected system of natural surface singletrack and ADA accessible trails.

Improved access to new trails, parks, and neighborhoods will promote empowered,

healthy lifestyles. The Rozarks expansion plan will help foster a connected, sustainable

Rosedale.


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January 2015

Trails Design and Construction Standards

Design and construction of natural surface singletrack trails have strict sustainability

standards detailed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) and International

Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). The Rozarks will be held to all standards outlined

within the following publications:

Online: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf07232806/pdf07232806dpi300.pdf

Book: Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building

Sweet Singletrack

Book: Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA's Guide to

Providing Sweet Riding

Urban Trail Co. has collaborated with land managers

throughout Kansas City, designing and constructing over 100

miles of sustainable singletrack since 2001. Based on theamount of volunteer hours it takes to construct sustainable

singletrack on our regional terrain, Urban Trail Co. has

standardized cost at $7.60 per linear foot of trail, or $40,000 per trail mile, with the

approximate breakdown of planning, design, construction labor, equipment, materials,

and associated costs:

Task

Percentage of

Overall Project

Site Assessment & Environmental Planning 3%

Trail Routing & Ecological/Landscape Design 3%Invasive Species Eradication - Labor 15%

Corridor/Invasive Species - Materials/Equipment 1%

Corridor/Brush Clearing - Labor 5%

Trash Remediation - Labor/Materials/Equipment 2%

Trail Construction - Labor (General) 10%

Trail Construction - Labor (Skilled) 20%

Trail Construction - Materials/Equipment 3%

Areas of Difficulty - Planning, Engineering, & Design 3%

Areas of Difficulty - Labor 8%

Areas of Difficulty - Materials 2%

Finishing & Detail Work 15%Reforestation & Restoration - Labor 2%

Reforestation & Restoration - Materials 4%

Beautification & Signage - Labor 1%

Beautification & Signage - Materials 1%

Environmental Education & Public Awareness 1%

Overhead 1%

TOTAL 100%


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January 2015

Task

Percentage of

Overall Project Estimated Cost

Site Assessment & Environmental Planning 3% $3,611.52

Trail Routing & Ecological/Landscape Design 3% $3,611.52

Invasive Species Eradication - Labor 15% $18,057.60

Corridor/Invasive Species - Materials/Equipment 1% $1,203.84

Corridor/Brush Clearing - Labor 5% $6,019.20

Trash Remediation - Labor/Materials/Equipment 2% $2,407.68

Trail Construction - Labor (General) 10% $12,038.40

Trail Construction - Labor (Skilled) 20% $24,076.80

Trail Construction - Materials/Equipment 3% $3,611.52

Areas of Difficulty - Planning, Engineering, & Design 3% $3,611.52

Areas of Difficulty - Labor 8% $9,630.72

Areas of Difficulty - Materials 2% $2,407.68

Finishing & Detail Work 15% $18,057.60

Reforestation & Restoration - Labor 2% $2,407.68

Reforestation & Restoration - Materials 4% $4,815.36

Beautification & Signage - Labor 1% $1,203.84

Beautification & Signage - Materials 1% $1,203.84

Environmental Education & Public Awareness 1% $1,203.84

Overhead 1% $1,203.84

TOTAL 100% $120,384.00

Estimated Total Project Budget

Costs for completion of the Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System are estimated to be

$120,384.00 for 3 additional miles of natural surface singletrack trail, including all

materials, equipment, labor, etc. and $191,696.05 for ADA trail improvements at Fisher

and Rosedale parks. This cost estimate is based on the Urban Trail Co. standard of

$7.60/linear foot and from bids estimates obtained during summer 2014. The overall cost

of nature trail development can be greatly reduced with the usage of mechanized trailbuilding equipment and hiring a professional trail crew. Mechanized trail building not

only performs the same amount of work that approximately 8-10 volunteers can in the

same time (depending on terrain), but also provides a wider surface that can easily be

fine-tuned by finishing crews of trail builders and local volunteers. ADA trail

improvements are less flexible to cost reduction because of statutory requirements.

Budget details are below:

Nature trail budgetary details

can be seen in the table to the

right.

*Please see Appendix A fordetailed information about

Fisher and Rosedale Park

ADA Trail improvements

Area Planned Mileage Estimated Cost

Connection Trail 1.0 40,128.00$

Rosedale Park 2.0 80,256.00$

Total Nature Trail 3.0 120,384.00$

Fisher Park ADA 337.5 linear feet 21,250.00$

Rosedale Park ADA Phase 1 1100 linear feet 67,525.16$

Rosedale Park ADA Phase 2 1780 linear feet 103,193.89$Total ADA Trail 3217.5 linear feet 191,969.05$

*0.61 miles

Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System


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January 2015

Signage and Wayfinding

Signage for the Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will conform to all USFS/IMBA

Trail Design standards, as well as local park standards provided by the Unified

Government Parks and Recreation Department. Local signage companies have

committed to providing Rozark trail signage at minimal cost to the overall project while

the Unified Government has also pledged signage support through their Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) with Rosedale Development Association. We expect top-notchtrailhead, trail name, feature, and directional signage for the Rozarks trails project.

Carsonite posts will be used throughout the system for navigation, while trailhead

kiosks will provide more information about the trails and include system maps. Mileage

markers will be made of wood and placed every mile. We expect to install loop

signage as well, indicating a specific route corresponding to length, difficulty, or features.

This will make it easy for visitors to pick a route and go!

Standard USFS Carsonite Trail Marker

Kiosk Design


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January 2015

Future Maintenance Plan

Trails

Maintenance needs are minimal for sustainably designed and constructed natural

surface singletrack trails. Once or twice a year, growth will have to be trimmed back

from the trail tread with a string trimmer and from the trail corridor with loppers or

handsaws. Local trail stewards andneighborhood volunteers can easily

provide this maintenance free of

charge with equipment from Urban

Trail Co. in partnership with

Rosedale Development Association

(RDA). Everyone can help

maintain and keep our community

trails beautiful by practicing the

Leave No Trace ethic. RDA is

actively recruiting trail stewards forRozark trail sections as they are

completed.

Ecological Restoration

Through the development of urban nature trails, there is an opportunity to restore

natural areas. Using an ecologically-based, phased approach, it is recommended that the

following steps be taken for development of urban core

nature trails: 1) Invasive species eradication, focus on

trail corridor clearing. Approximately 25-40 wide; 2)

Large item trash removal and illegal dumping clean-up;3) Trail construction; 4) Continued trash remediation,

focus on providing an aesthetically pleasing experience

for park users; 5) Reforestation and repopulation of

native plant species. This comprehensive, ecologically-

based phased approach will provide numerous short- and

long-term benefits to both the urban woodlands and

surrounding neighborhoods.

After trail construction is completed, the opportunity

remains not just for restoration but communityengagement. Neighborhood residents can use trail when

completed to access areas for invasive species

eradication, trash removal, and native species restoration.

Restoring and maintain these areas both provide aesthetic benefits to trail users and

profound benefits for the native flora and fauna. Without active management of these

areas, the invasive species will return and the joy of the trails could be lost.


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January 2015

Funding Strategies

Much of the design and construction for the Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will

be performed by local volunteers and neighborhood residents. This sweat equity will be

vital for the completion and community ownership of this project. Rosedale

Development Association (RDA) hopes to secure funding/donations to hire the

mechanical trail building crew for accelerated development of the Rozarks, particularly

for the connection between Belrose Manor and Mission Cliffs and within areas ofRosedale Park. With this assistance, we anticipate that the entire system of 7+ miles can

be completed by mid-2016. Remaining reliant on volunteer labor will extend this

timeline. Potential sources of funding include:

People for Bikes Grant

KEEN Effect Environmental Grant

Specialized Bicycle Dealer Grant

Unified Government/Hollywood Casino Grant

The Sunflower FoundationTrails Grants

KansasRecreational Trails Program (RTP)

International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Grant Programs

National Forest Foundation Grant Programs

National Environmental Education Foundation Grant Programs

Family Foundations

Corporate Sponsorships

Private Donations

Fundraising or Race Events

Many, many others


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January 2015

Appendix A

FISHER PARK TRAIL/ADA IMPROVEMENTS

Who: Rosedale Development Association, in partnership with Unified GovernmentParks and Recreation and Urban Trail Co.

What: ADA accessibility improvements to an existing 6 foot wide, 750 foot long(approximate) limestone chat trail and construction of natural surfacesingletrack trails for hiking, mountain biking, and nature watching that willconnect existing trails at Mt. Marty and Mission Cliffs.

When: Nature trail construction has begun. ADA improvements can be made as soonas funding is secured.

Where: Fisher Park, Rosedale District, Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas

Why: To improve ADA access to trails that promote empowered, healthy lifestyles.

To create a 4+ mile system of interconnected nature trails.

How: Nature trail construction is in partnership with Urban Trail Co. volunteers.ADA improvements will be contracted out.

Estimated Cost:

ADA Trail Improvements

(Contracted)

Concrete $7,000 56 yards @ 112.50/yard & other costs

Other Materials $1,500 Forms, grass seed, etc.Equipment costs $1,000 Machine, fuel, transport, & other

Shade Trees $7,750 31 Trees @ 250/tree

Signage $1,000 Trailhead, directional, and mileage

Labor $3,000 3 persons, 8 hours/day, 5 days @ 20/hour

TOTAL $21,250

Nature Trail Construction (Please see The Rozarks: Southeast Rosedale Trails Plan,pgs. 13-16)

(IN-KIND)Urban Trail Co. standard - $7.60/linear footProposed nature trail length1.17 milesEstimated Cost - $46,949.76 (Steketees Slopes)


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ROSEDALE PARK TRAIL/ADA IMPROVEMENTS

Who: Rosedale Development Association, in partnership with Unified GovernmentParks and Recreation and Urban Trail Co.

What: Construction of natural surface singletrack trails for hiking, mountain biking,and nature watching that will connect to existing trails and planned Rozarktrails in Southeast Rosedale. ADA accessibility improvements to RosedaleParkconnecting parking lots to playground, shelter/gazebo & grill,bathrooms, skate park, baseball diamonds, and Mission Road crosswalk.These improvements would be in conjunction with a new loop trail, all ofwhich would be interconnected.

When: Volunteer nature trail construction is planned for 2015/2016, although thetimeline could be accelerated with funding. ADA trail improvements can be

made as soon as funding is secured.

Where: Rosedale Park, Rosedale District, Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas

Why: To improve access to new trails that promote empowered, healthy lifestyles.To create a 6+ mile system of interconnected nature trails. To improve parkaccessibility for neighborhood residents from east of Mission Road. Toprovide an ADA accessible loop trail and connector trail.

How: Nature trail construction is in partnership with Urban Trail Co. volunteersand/or professional trail builders. ADA trail improvements will be contracted

out.

Estimated Cost:

ADA Trail Improvements(Please see attached bids from HE Bohrer Excavating Co.,Inc.)

8 foot wide x 4 inches deep

Phase 1$67,525.16 (1100 linear feet)

Phase 2$103,193.89 (1780 linear feet)


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Nature Trail Construction

Urban Trail Co. standard - $7.60/linear foot

Proposed nature trail length2.0 miles (within Rosedale Park only)

Estimated Cost - $80, 256

Task Percentage of

Overall Project

Estimated Cost

Site Assessment & Environmental Planning 3% $2,407.68

Trail Routing & Ecological/Landscape Design 3% $2,407.68

Invasive Species Eradication - Labor 15% $12,038.40

Corridor/Invasive Species - Materials/Equipment 1% $802.56Corridor/Brush Clearing - Labor 5% $4,012.80

Trash Remediation - Labor/Materials/Equipment 2% $1,605.12

Trail Construction - Labor (General) 10% $8,025.60

Trail Construction - Labor (Skilled) 20% $16,051.20

Trail Construction - Materials/Equipment 3% $2,407.68

Areas of Difficulty - Planning, Engineering, & Design 3% $2,407.68

Areas of Difficulty - Labor 8% $6,420.48

Areas of Difficulty - Materials 2% $1,605.12

Finishing & Detail Work 15% $12,038.40

Reforestation & Restoration - Labor 2% $1,605.12

Reforestation & Restoration - Materials 4% $3,210.24

Beautification & Signage - Labor 1% $802.56

Beautification & Signage - Materials 1% $802.56

Environmental Education & Public Awareness 1% $802.56

Overhead 1% $802.56

TOTAL 100% $80,256.00


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rozarks urban nature trail system

Documents