04/10/2026
We know the closure of the Connector trail is disappointing for many, and honestly, it stings for us, too. For ten years, Thrive Allen County leased the Connector trail from a private property owner to create a safe link between the Southwind Rail Trail and Lehigh Portland State Park. While ownership never belonged to Thrive Allen County or Lehigh Portland State Park, we're proud to have helped provide community access for as long as we could.
When it came time to discuss renewing the lease, we worked hard to find a path forward. We had conversations with the property owner and reached out to the state to explore every option we could think of to keep the trail open. Ultimately, the decision about the future of that land rests with its owner, and we have to respect their decision not to renew the lease. It's not the outcome we hoped for, and we're sorry about that.
As part of this transition, we'll be carefully removing the fence and relocating the murals so the artwork you love can continue to have a place in our community.
Thank you to Hardy Fence for their wonderful craftsmanship, and to the artists who brought the fence to life: Stephen Gilpin, Isaac Tapia, and Rodrigo Alvarez.
We ask for your help in respecting the property owner's rights and privacy.
The pedestrian bridge on South Washington Avenue, affectionately nicknamed The King of Trails Bridge by board member Randy Rasa, now serves as your connection from Iola to Lehigh Portland State Park. That bridge exists because of many meaningful community partnerships, and we're grateful to everyone who made it possible: City of Iola, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, Kansas Health Foundation, Sunflower Foundation, PeopleForBikes, and New Belgium Brewing.
Thank you for being part of the trails and the community they connect. We look forward to many more miles ahead together!
