Some of the region’s fastest mountain bikers will be in Fort Scott for the 10th Anniversary of the Marmaton Massacre Festival, on Gunn Park Trails, the weekend of September 16th & 17th.
Race promoter and trail steward Frank Halsey is proud of what his team of volunteers has accomplished over the past ten years.
“Our event attracts all types of riders from the region, professionals as well as beginners,” he said. “Lots of riders prefer our hand-built trails over the machine-built trails in popular areas such as northwest Arkansas, we just don’t have enough mileage to be a destination trail.”
The Festival begins Saturday, with some participants arriving on Friday, to prepare for the Saturday Marathon Race, which is as many miles as possible in a three-hour timeframe. Sunday events will consist of the age and ability Category Races.
Halsey encourages locals to grab their lawn chairs and join us in the park for the Saturday evening festivities which will include a performance by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra at 5:30 pm, followed by the always popular little kids race, and live music by the Pittsburg band, Left of Center. Sharky’s Pub & Grub will be providing food truck services.
“Mountain bike racing is not really a spectator sport, but my goal for this event has been to bring riders to our beautiful city and park, while providing locals an opportunity to have a relaxing evening in our beautiful Gunn Park,” Halsey said. “None of this would be possible without our awesome volunteers and local sponsors including, Cheney Witt Funeral Home, CrawKan, Southwind Cycle & Outdoor, Sonic, Typhoon Bay, Union State Bank, Ward Kraft, RPS Benefits, and Mid-Continental Restoration.”
Whether you’re looking to cycle from one county to the next or across the entire state, the new 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map has a lot to offer those planning a short trip or a long ride.
“The revised map has new features such as a focus on rail-trails, Kansas Tourism resources, and information on the recently published Kansas Active Transportation Plan,” said KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. “This map provides information for cyclists of all levels of experience as well as community advocates wanting to develop and improve trails and paths in their areas.”
The 2023-25 map includes a state map showing daily traffic volumes, county roads, rest areas, bike shops, byways, state parks, bicycle routes across Kansas, and also includes:
Kansas Rail-Trails revised map and infographic.
Section on Sharing the Trail.
Information on Kansas Tourism Cycling resources.
Information on the Kansas Active Transportation Plan.
S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 66 information.
A table of state recreation areas and amenities.
State bicycle laws.
Maps and cards with bicycle safety tips are available free of charge on the Kansas Bicycle Map webpage – KSBicycleMap (ksdot.gov) This page also includes links to an interactive bicycle map and several city maps.
For more information or to order maps by email or phone, please email [email protected] or call (785) 296-5186.
Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.
The 6th Annual Bourbon County Special Olympics Golf Scramble is July 29.
Amy Bockerstette, a Special Olympian from Phoenix, AZ. Submitted photo.
“To date we have raised over $115,00 for Special Olympics Kansas,” Steve Anthony, tournament director said. “Because last year was such a huge hit for us we are bringing back former Major Leaguer Otis Nixon to our event.”
“Otis will be bringing with him Harlem Globetrotter Hollywood Brown, Golf Trick Shot Artist Rocky Shipe, and Olympic Medalist Arthur Culbreath,” he said.
They have a full field of sixty-two teams with 264 players coming from seven different states.
Tee times will start on Saturday July 29 at 7a.m. with the first wave of teams. The second wave will take off at approx 1:15 p.m.
“I want to thank Andrew Defebaugh and Chase Halsey for all of their help to make this tournament a success,” Anthony said. “The community is invited to come out starting at 7 a.m. to purchase raffle tickets for $1 each.”
Time Judy, Ben Cole, Steve Anthony and Nick Rule at the Special Olympics event three years ago. Submitted photo.
“We also have a golf cart we will be giving away that day to the lucky winner of one of our many raffle prizes we will have available,” Anthony said. “I can’t thank the community enough for always stepping up to raise funds for such a great cause.”
For more information please contact him at 620-215-2392.
The splash pad project is moving ahead with plans for a summer opening, according to Bailey Lyons, one of the committee members spearheading the project.
The project is located on North National Avenue, across from Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on Skubitz Plaza.
“You may have noticed there has been a lot of recent action at the site of the Splashpad and Sensory Park,” according to a press release from Lyons. “With Playscapes Recreation leading the charge, and the Splashpad and Sensory Park committee heavily involved, much progress has been made in the last few weeks.”
Looking west towards National Avenue, one can see the recent work at the splash pad site. Submitted photo.
The Splashpad and Sensory Park Committee is comprised of Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Josh Jones, Lyons, and Meredith Tucker.
They have been actively working on this project for the past year, and have raised over $300,000 in funds and in-kind donations.
From the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.
The committee’s mission is to build the first all-inclusive, fully accessible park in Fort Scott, according to the press release.
The full press release is as follows:
“This sensory playground and splash pad will offer children and their families a fun, safe, barrier-free space to play, laugh, interact, and feel like they belong – regardless of their abilities. This project is about community, education, engagement, advocacy, and inclusion.”
“This playground has been intentionally designed with sensory stimulation in mind to maximize play and support the development of all children. The park will include a variety of equipment and activities made to engage as many senses as possible, and appeal to a broad range of ages and ability levels.”
“While the Splashpad and Sensory Park will provide a new, unique, and fun option for able-bodied children to play, it will be the first and only option for many kids in our community who have disabilities and cannot enjoy our other parks. These special kids and their families will no longer be left out or displaced when it comes to enjoying recreational amenities, something that many take for granted.”
The committee has plans to open the splash pad this summer and “is almost to the finish line….through grants, monetary donations and in-kind donations,” according to the press release. “As work quickly progresses towards a grand opening (date to be announced), there are notable changes occuring at the site regularly.”
Here is a list of what has been done:
the pad has been leveled and brought up to grade,
elevations have been set,
water and electric have been laid to the site,
drain lines have been laid,
feature footings have been set,
piping from the features has been laid,
and the vault has been set to house the manifold which will soon be placed.
“Once all of this is wrapped up, concrete will be poured, and the features will be installed after the pads have cured. The committee is still actively working to complete the park with the final piece – an ADA accessible restroom – which they hope will be added in the very near future.”
A portion of the concrete for the splash pad is being poured today, June 27. Submitted photo.
The committee is planning two work days and is inviting the public to help on-site with the project
In the coming weeks, clean up and landscaping will take place on Sunday July 9, and/or Saturday July 15.
Those who would like to help, please contact Lyons at (620)224-7795 so that jobs and tools/materials can be coordinated for the work.
Robert Coon, A-1 Towing, donated his company’s personnel and truck to put a concrete vault in place on June 22 for the upcoming splash pad project. The concrete will house the plumbing for the splash pad. Submitted photo.
“The Splashpad and Sensory Park Committee would like to sincerely thank all of the generous donors who have contributed thus far, both monetary and in-kind donations,” according to the press release. “Donors who have given $500 and above are listed below, and will be featured on permanent signage at the park:
FOUNDERS
Timken Foundation of Canton
Walmart
BENEFACTORS ($10,000+)
Contributors to YAT/Parks Advisory Board
Alta Davis
Evergy
No Limits Rehabilitation/Brad & Meredith Tucker
City of Fort Scott
ADVOCATES ($5,000-9,999)
Advanced Bourbon County
Aetna – Better Health of Kansas
Bourbon County REDI
Bourbon County, KS
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
Forrest & Julia Sewell
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
Key Charitable Trust
Lyons Realty Group
Niece Products of Kansas
Steven & Jessica Tucker
SPONSORS ($2,500-4,999)
Bloomfield Foundation In Memory of Tim Bloomfield & His Grandaughter Olivia Bloomfield
Hammerson Ready Mix
Jayhawk Wind
In Honor & Memory of Lillian Rose Kraft
Modern Woodman Fraternal Financial
O’Brien Ready Mix
Joshua & Terra Tecchio-Baseley
Sheridan Nash
Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation
DONORS ($1,000-2,499)
A1 Towing & Recovery
Advantage Metals Recycling
Big Sugar Lumber
Bourbon County Cars
Bourbon County Garden Club
Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel
DelBrenna Jewelry by Megan Neil & Sebastian Ghezzi
Dreamscape Innovations, Inc.
Fort Scott Recreation Department
Highway 3
In Loving Memory of Marsha Lancaster, Longtime Owner of Marsha’s Deli
In Memory of Angelo-Sondra Dellantonia
Janet Braun
Jeff Allen Electric
Landmark National Bank
Lee Sewell-Painter
Legacy Health
Mid-Continental Restoration
Mitch Welch
Pearson Towing
Pete’s of Erie, Inc.
RII Concrete Construction
Sleep Inn
Sonic
Thomas Concrete & Construction
Valu Merchandisers Co.
W/K Holdings
FRIENDS ($500-999)
Bowman’s NuGrille
Budgetel Inn & Suites – Aaradhya Piyush Mistry
Clifton Chiropractic
Davis & Associates Tax + Consulting
FSHS FFA & Construction Trades
Greyhound Football Legacy Center
The Gugnani Family
The Horton House
John Crain – In Memory of Don & Connie Crain
JW & Diana Endicott
Konantz – Cheney Funeral Home
Labconco
Liberty Savings Association, FSA
Lyons & Lyons
The Meeks Family
Scott and Melissa Meyers
Museum of Creativity
{Re:freshed} Spa
The Reynolds Law Firm
Riggs Chiropractic of Fort Scott
Stewart Realty
Union State Bank
The donors listed above have contributed $500+, according to Lyons. “In addition to these, there have been numerous donors below the $500 level, and their generosity and support is also much appreciated!”
An artist’s rendition of the splash pad from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Facebook page.
The City of Fort Scott is supplying the water to the splash pad.
“The city’s part is to get the splash pad the water supply,” Fort Scott’s Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke said.
Swimming lessons at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center July 2018.
Currently the Fort Scott Aquatic Center has a family swim time designated Monday through Friday for 5:30-6:15 p.m. but that is changing.
“We have noticed a rise in families coming to take advantage of that time and are very pleased to see this,” said Kathi Hall the pool manger.
“Effective July 1, 2023, we are changing the time span of family swim to be 5:30 to 7 p.m. ,” she said. “The change just affects the unsupervised patrons who are 17 and under. These patrons can go ahead and exit the facility for the day.”
The pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. On Monday through Friday the change is the family swim will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. starting July 1.
Pool parties are from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. when scheduled. Cost is $150 per hour.
Pool rates are:
2 years and younger are free.
3-14 years: $2
15 to 62 years: $3
63+years: $2
A single season pool pass is $65, a family of four season pass is $200 and a $25 per person fee for over four family members. Members must reside in the same household.
Children 10 years old and younger must be supervised by someone 14 years and older, at all times..
Assistant pool managers are Brayden Moore, Kayla Hall, Billie Jo Shoemaker, and Dakota Hall.
Lucas Kelley is the new Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director. Submitted photo.
Lucas Kelley will assume the position of recreation director at Buck Run Community Center on July 1, with the retirement of Tom Robertson. Robertson served for 23 years in the position.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
“He has been here since May 1, and will take over on July 1,” Robertson said.
“I feel so fortunate,” Kelley said. “Tom has done wonders with the rec. department, he has made it (the transition) easy on me.”
Kelley, 24, graduated from Houston, MO. high school and attended Fort Scott Community College on a basketball scholarship, where he earned an associate of science degree. He then went to Pittsburg State University where he earned a bachelors degree in exercise science in December 2021.
“All through high school I worked at the rec. department, then at FSCC I was assistant coach for one year and also refereed for some of the rec. programs here,” Kelley said. “I then moved to northwest Arkansas and worked in cardiac rehabilitation for a year, before moving to Fort Scott to take this job.”
He is married to Makayla Kelley.
For Kelley, the best part of this new job is “service, and getting to help people and get them involved through recreations.”
Kelley is working on making sign-up for leagues and payment of fees online, “So they won’t have to come to the building every time they want to sign up for something,” he said. “I’m in the process upgrading the system we have now.”
His community involvement so far has been with the Healthy Bourbon County’s Local Health Equity Team and also enjoys Bingo Nights at Memorial Hall to help support Veterans, he said.
Tom Robertson, 55, has been the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director since May 2000.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
His last day on the job is June 30 ,2023.
Robertson said he has served the Fort Scott community to the best of his ability, developing relationships with many community leaders, and representing the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and BRCC with “high moral values and leadership.”
“Th best part of my job was to improve the quality of life for the Fort Scott families,” he said. “Dealing with all ages that want to be active, serving the community through offering of programs, events or facilities.”
The biggest challenges of his job?
“Finding quality, responsible volunteers and staff to carry out the programs that we offer,” he said. “And staying within a restricted budget.” Also working evening, weekends and holiday hours, ” when the patrons want to be active.”
Thinking back over the 23 years he feels his accomplishments are:
Working to not increase the mill levy, a tax.
Helping organize “Pennies in the Park” with the Youth Activity Team and also three concerts that featured Country singers Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. All money raised went to providing a sand volleyball court, outdoor basketball court, lighting at two ball fields, a walking trail at Ellis Park.
Hosting various district and state Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball tournaments.
Helping to secure a half-cent 10 year sales tax to build an additional phase to Buck Run Community Center and the renovation of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
Hosting community events: Corporate Olympics, corn hole and pickle ball tournaments, as well as others.
Renovating unused tennis courts to four lighted outdoor pickleball courts.
Serving on the Gunn Park Committee that hosted many Christmas in the Park events as well as Independence Day, Halloween and other holiday activities in the park.
There have been many changes in the Buck Run Community Center in his tenure:
The new phase of the center that included a fitness center, locker rooms, racketball court, additional office and lobby space in 2012.
The renovation of the center’s kitchen in 2020.
The renovation of the youth dance studio upstairs in 2020.
New services introduced in his tenure:
Youth indoor soccer, pickleball tournaments and open play, co-sponsored camps with the Fort Scott High School, corn hole leagues and tournaments.
An annual fundraiser for Adopt a Family, that included garage sales, corn hole tourneys and middle school dances.
The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competitions for the community to become more health conscience.
Robertson has big plans for his retirement.
“I’m getting married the first day of retirement, July 1,” he said. “To Becky Colding from Chanute. She will be moving to Fort Scott. She has accepted the job of administrative assistant for the Bourbon County Public Works Department.”
He plans on staying active but also spending time with his family.
“I want to find a job that is rewarding but not stressful,” he said. “(And) being the best dad, grandpa, husband, son, brother and friend I can be.”
About the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
All employees of FSRC work for U.S.D. # 234, that levies taxes. The city of Fort Scott has contracted the FSRC to manage Buck Run Community Center. The FSRC has their own budget and board.
The mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad based recreational opportunities, according to its Facebook page.
The Fort Scott Recreation Commission has a board consisting of five members serving three or four terms. These are non compensated positions. Tammy Hill is the chairperson, board membersare Adam Lancaster, Stewart Gulager, Mike Chipman and Susan Marbery.
After a delay because of vandalism, the Fort Scott Aquatic Center will open Monday, June 5 at 1 p.m. to the public.
Swimming lessons at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center on July 10, 2018.
Kathi Hall is the new pool manager at the center, and is a 6th grade teacher at Fort Scott Middle School during the school year.
She was hired last month.
“It’s a perfect job for educators,” Hall said.
“We are excited that the facility can be open to the public,” she said. “We apologize for the delay. We were supposed to open on Memorial Day.”
The vandalism included graffiti, which didn’t delay the opening, and also included “multiple rocks that were thrown into the pool, damaging the concrete,” Hall said. “The concrete then had to be treated and cured, then so many days the water had to be treated with chemicals, before we could begin the water filling process.”
The pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. On Monday through Friday there is a family swim from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
The pool phone number is 620.223.8142
As a special treat, on Monday at 1 p.m. Pearson Towing staff will be handing out popsicles to those entering, until gone, Hall said.
Pool parties are from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. when scheduled. Cost is $150 per hour.
Pool rates are:
2 years and younger are free.
3-14 years: $2
15 to 62 years: $3
63+years: $2
A single season pool pass is $65, a family of four season pass is $200 and a $25 per person fee for over four family members. Members must reside in the same household.
“Children 10 years old and younger must be supervised by someone 14 years and older, at all times,” Hall said.
Assistant pool managers are Brayden Moore, Kayla Hall, Billie Jo Shoemaker, and Dakota Hall.
“We have a sufficient supply of lifeguards,” Hall said. “Thirty-plus lifeguards.”
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right, and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.
Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.
“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”
The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.
Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.
The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.
Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.
The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.
Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.
The Kansas League of National Interscholastic Bike Race (NICA) is returning to Gunn Park on April 22 and 23.
“We will need volunteers for 2 – 4-hour shifts during the weekend, mostly on Sunday the 23rd,” Frank Halsey, event host said..
“If you missed this event last year, it is worth the effort to check it out,” he said. “These people do an amazing production for these kids and we at Gunn Park Trails are proud to be hosting their return.”
Halsey is founder of Gunn Park Trails, a volunteer organization that maintains the bike trails in the park.
Gunn Park will be closed for use during the event, but spectators are welcome.
“We still need volunteers for the upcoming NICA Race next weekend, April 22nd & 23rd,” Halsey said. “Please check out the following link for times and duties.”
“We get kids on bikes, “according to NICA’s website https://nationalmtb.org/about-us/. “We are outside going places. We are stoking a life-long passion for riding. Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.
The Kansas NICA was formed in 2019
NICA is having adventures with teammates while tackling both small and grand challenges, according to the website.
Its mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. Its values are fun, ,inclusivity equity, respect, and community.
About Gunn Park
Gunn Park entrance.
Gunn Park is located on the west side of Fort Scott, KS and is a 155-acre park with beautiful landscape and stone features, with the Marmaton River flowing through.
There is camping, playgrounds, eight miles of trails for biking/hiking,18-hole frisbee/disc-golf course, two lakes for fishing, seven shelter houses, 14 camping slots with electric hookups and restrooms.
Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.) The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact me at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].
Informational & sign up meeting will be Wed., March 8th
Woodland Hills Golf Course at 5:30 pm.
At the meeting you can pay your $40 league fee, get a pic for our website, get paired up with a partner (if you don’t already have someone to play with) and meet the other women of the league.
The league will run on May 3rd thru August 2nd
Morning tee times available or at 5:30pm for a shotgun start.
The season will end with a banquet with a best ball scramble, a catered dinner, and a lot of fun!
