Exploration Trails

Goal: $25,000.00

Specific Need

Clay Center Exploration Trails is a comprehensive trail system in Clay Center, Kansas, to help promote the health and well-being of its citizens and economy, encourage walkability, and connect people to the amenities in our area. Phase one of this project was paid for by an anonymous donation to CCCIF and a grant from the Sunflower Foundation. To continue the work and expand the trails across Clay Center, we are seeking donations that will be used for matching funds for various other grants. The goal for this year, is to raise $20,000 to complete the sidewalk along the east side of 9th Street from the new C4 entrance going north to Franklin Street.

Our emphasis is always in the promotion of people walking and biking to explore the community in a healthful way.

Profile

With the help of an original donor, the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation leveraged up that donation with a grant from the Sunflower Foundation to pursue a vision of a network of trails, improved sidewalks, and designated safe routes to schools, businesses, and areas of recreational exercise. With the help of the Exploration Trail Fund, the Clay Center Public Utilities Department has developed a trail in Utility Park that has become admired by many people in the community and across the region.

The plan continues to move forward. The installation of many way-finding signs and QR code signs that map out the entire route has been completed. The Rotary Club has assisted in sidewalk repair and a portion of the trails in Huntress Park. Donors have funded additional portions of sidewalks. Grants and private funding continue to be sought for future projects, including a sidewalk along Highway 24 to the west part of town and a sidewalk along the east side of nineth street,

Ultimately, this is the first of several trail projects over the next five years which involve grants and donations from many sources. As envisioned, there will be a designated trail around the entire town which will provide for safe travel of school children to school and recreation, safe walking routes for older citizens to and from shopping and parks, recreation for families, an attraction to regional day travels to bike or hike the town, an attraction to families to locate to Clay Center and the development of a healthy living lifestyle in the community.

Your donation has an impact because all grants require a match. If you wish to donate to the Clay Center Exploration Trails, please visit www.claycentercif.org or mail it to 432 Court Street, Clay Center, KS 67432.