Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

The Rozarks
Urban Nature Trail System Plan
The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan
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 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 currently
experiencing neighborhood 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. 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 Rozarks Southeast.
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.
January 2015
January 2015
Contents
Executive Summary
Contents
Project Background
Project Partners
Area Description and Demographics
Existing Conditions
Aerial Photograph
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 Trail Desire 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
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
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 BicyclePedestrian 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 of
mechanical 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 Rozarks Southeast 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 currently
experiencing neighborhood 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.
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; private
landowners; and local residents and volunteers.
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 many
popular 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.
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 learners one 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 of
Score 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.
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 Middle
School track can all be seen clearly from above.
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 by
community members soon after large rain events.
January 2015
10
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 the
floodplains 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 grayishbrown 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 where
shale 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
January 2015
11
January 2015
12
Surrounding Neighborhoods
Rosedales neighborhoods have a distinctive old town feel. Most areas are single
family homes, with multi-family housing and commercial activities found primarily near
the main corridors of Mission Road, 47th Street, and Rainbow Boulevard. Kansas
University Medical Center and Hospital anchor the 39th and 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 places
to raise a family.
January 2015
13
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 47th Street, 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 industrial
corridors to residential neighborhoods.
January 2015
14
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.
January 2015
15
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.
January 2015
16
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.
January 2015
17
Public Transportation & Highways
The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System will be accessible by KCATA bus lines 39:
39 Street, 51: Ward Parkway, 105: Rosedale, 107: 7th Street, and JO/667: NallDowntown. The trails will be a destination that draws regional visitors and increases
patronage to local restaurants and businesses.
th
January 2015
18
Community Assets
Assets are numerous in Rosedale from 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 39th and Rainbow.
Visitors and staff of the hospital and students and faculty of the university will have
access 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.
January 2015
19
Existing Trail Desire 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 largely
established deer trails and social paths.
January 2015
20
Constructed Trail Rozarks 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.
January 2015
21
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:
47th and Mission Road Area Concept Plan 2000
39th Street Corridor Plan 2003
Rosedale Master Plan 2005
City-Wide Master Plan 2008
Rosedale Green Corridor Trail Network and Revitalization Study 2010
Rosedale Environmental Action Lab 2010
Southwest Boulevard/Merriam Lane Corridor Master Plan 2011
Sidewalk and Trails Master Plan for Unified Government 2012
Healthy Communities Wyandotte Recommendations for a Better Future 2012
The Rozarks Southeast Rosedale Trails Plan 2014
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 adjacent
property 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.
January 2015
22
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, and
3) 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 that
people 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 and
ecologically between people and nature,
creating community stewards who care
deeply about their local place.
Sustainable, accessible trails will help
foster a sustainable, connected Rosedale.
January 2015
23
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 and
connecting 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
development there 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 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.
January 2015
24
Proposed Trails Development Map
January 2015
25
Proposed Trails Development

The initial Rozarks southeast 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 Rozarks Southeast.
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.
*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.
January 2015
26
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/td/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 the
amount 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
Site Assessment & Environmental Planning
Trail Routing & Ecological/Landscape Design
Invasive Species Eradication - Labor
Corridor/Invasive Species - Materials/Equipment
Corridor/Brush Clearing - Labor
Trash Remediation - Labor/Materials/Equipment
Trail Construction - Labor (General)
Trail Construction - Labor (Skilled)
Trail Construction - Materials/Equipment
Areas of Difficulty - Planning, Engineering, & Design
Areas of Difficulty - Labor
Areas of Difficulty - Materials
Finishing & Detail Work
Reforestation & Restoration - Labor
Reforestation & Restoration - Materials
Beautification & Signage - Labor
Beautification & Signage - Materials
Environmental Education & Public Awareness
Overhead
TOTAL
Percentage of
Overall Project
3%
3%
15%
1%
5%
2%
10%
20%
3%
3%
8%
2%
15%
2%
4%
1%
1%
1%
1%
100%
January 2015
27
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 trail
building 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:
Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

Area
Connection Trail
Rosedale Park
Total Nature Trail
Fisher Park ADA
Rosedale Park ADA Phase 1
Rosedale Park ADA Phase 2
Total ADA Trail
Nature trail budgetary details

can be seen in the table to the
right.
*Please see Appendix A for
detailed information about
Fisher and Rosedale Park
ADA Trail improvements
Planned Mileage
1.0
2.0
3.0
337.5 linear feet
1100 linear feet
1780 linear feet
3217.5 linear feet
*0.61 miles
Task
Overhead
TOTAL
Estimated Cost
$ 40,128.00
$ 80,256.00
$ 120,384.00
$ 21,250.00
$ 67,525.16
$ 103,193.89
$ 191,969.05
Percentage of
Overall Project Estimated Cost
3%
$3,611.52
3%
$3,611.52
15%
$18,057.60
1%
$1,203.84
5%
$6,019.20
2%
$2,407.68
10%
$12,038.40
20%
$24,076.80
3%
$3,611.52
3%
$3,611.52
8%
$9,630.72
2%
$2,407.68
15%
$18,057.60
2%
$2,407.68
4%
$4,815.36
1%
$1,203.84
1%
$1,203.84
1%
$1,203.84
1%
$1,203.84
100%
$120,384.00
January 2015
28
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-notch
trailhead, 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
January 2015
29
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 and
neighborhood 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 for
Rozark 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, ecologicallybased 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 community
engagement. 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.
January 2015
30
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 of
Rosedale 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 Foundation Trails Grants
Kansas Recreational 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
January 2015
31
Appendix A
FISHER PARK TRAIL/ADA IMPROVEMENTS

Who:
Rosedale Development Association, in partnership with Unified Government

Parks 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 surface
singletrack trails for hiking, mountain biking, and nature watching that will
connect existing trails at Mt. Marty and Mission Cliffs.
When:
Nature trail construction has begun. ADA improvements can be made as soon
as 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
Other Materials
Equipment costs
Shade Trees
Signage
Labor
TOTAL
$7,000
$1,500
$1,000
$7,750
$1,000
$3,000
$21,250
56 yards @ 112.50/yard & other costs

Forms, grass seed, etc.
Machine, fuel, transport, & other
31 Trees @ 250/tree
Trailhead, directional, and mileage
3 persons, 8 hours/day, 5 days @ 20/hour
Nature Trail Construction (Please see The Rozarks: Southeast Rosedale Trails Plan,
pgs. 13-16)
(IN-KIND)
Urban Trail Co. standard - $7.60/linear foot
Proposed nature trail length 1.17 miles
Estimated Cost - $46,949.76 (Steketees Slopes)
January 2015
32
January 2015
33
ROSEDALE PARK TRAIL/ADA IMPROVEMENTS

Who:
Rosedale Development Association, in partnership with Unified Government

Parks 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 Rozark
trails in Southeast Rosedale. ADA accessibility improvements to Rosedale
Park connecting 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 of
which would be interconnected.
When:
Volunteer nature trail construction is planned for 2015/2016, although the

timeline 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 park
accessibility for neighborhood residents from east of Mission Road. To
provide an ADA accessible loop trail and connector trail.
How:
Nature trail construction is in partnership with Urban Trail Co. volunteers

and/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)
January 2015
34
35
Nature Trail Construction

Urban Trail Co. standard - $7.60/linear foot
Proposed nature trail length 2.0 miles (within Rosedale Park only)
Estimated Cost - $80, 256
Task
Percentage of
Overall Project
Estimated Cost
3%
$2,407.68
3%
$2,407.68
15%
$12,038.40
1%
$802.56
5%
$4,012.80
2%
$1,605.12
10%
$8,025.60
20%
$16,051.20
3%
$2,407.68
3%
$2,407.68
8%
$6,420.48
2%
$1,605.12
15%
$12,038.40
2%
$1,605.12
4%
$3,210.24
1%
$802.56
1%
$802.56
1%
$802.56
Overhead
1%
$802.56
TOTAL
100%
$80,256.00
January 2015
January 2015
36
January 2015
37
January 2015
38
January 2015
39
January 2015
40

Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Rozarks

Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Area Description and Demographics

Topography & Hydrology

Land Use & Zoning

Bikeways & Shared Use Trail Network

Public Transportation & Highways

Existing Trail Desire Paths

Constructed Trail Rozarks Southeast

Plan Coordination and Public Input

Project Vision and Goals

Green Infrastructure & Ecosystem Conservation

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Proposed Trails Development Map

Proposed Trails Development

Estimated Total Project Budget

Trails Design and Construction Standards

Signage and Wayfinding

Future Maintenance Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Area Description and Demographics

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Topography & Hydrology

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Rocky outcroppings at Mt. Marty Park

Trail Steward Scott Lillis digs through

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Land Use & Zoning

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Bikeways & Shared Use Trail Network

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Public Transportation & Highways

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Existing Trail Desire Paths

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Constructed Trail Rozarks Southeast

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Plan Coordination and Public Input

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Project Vision and Goals

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Proposed Trails Development Map

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Proposed Trails Development

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Trails Design and Construction Standards

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan

Estimated Total Project Budget

Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System

Nature trail budgetary details

The Rozarks Urban Nature Trail System Plan