Shawnee County considers adding new walking trails

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Shawnee County officials are looking at increasing walking opportunities for locals with the addition of new trails and sidewalks.

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) is working to update its trail systems and Greenway Master Plan. This plan would connect the current trail network in Topeka to parts of the county without sidewalks.

Shawnee County commissioners were hesitant given the cost and number of master plans already in the works. However, a planner with the county said this could give more people a safe place to walk.

"We're trying to put together a network of different segments that could make a broader trail network, and most of the existing facilities exist within the city of Topeka and don't stretch out into the greater county," said Andy Fry, Shawnee County transportation planner.

Organizers say they plan to get feedback from residents to see what locations would make the most sense. The county estimates this could be completed by July.

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