Riverfront Park: Lighting Is Coming

Riverfront Park, North National Avenue past the orange bridge over the Marmaton River.

The east side of the Belltown Walking Trail in Riverfront Park is a shady place to enjoy a walk, but at times it is too dark.

“We’ve had some ladies that said at dusk, it gets pretty dark,” Jerry Witt, president of the Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board, said. “So we purchased 14 poles and downlights and bases.”

The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.

“The lighting will be installed in the next few weeks on the east side of the walking trail, where it is darker, it’s close to the lookout,” Witt said. “We would like for (the lighting) to go over to the Mercy Hospice Memorial part. We will add more lights later, this is what we can afford now.”

The lights will be LED downlights, he said, “that will shine on the trail.”

An electrician will install them, with the City of Fort Scott providing the concrete bases for the lights.

There was grant money left following the building of the pavilion and the overlook boardwalk which were completed last year, Witt said. This leftover grant money will fund the lighting segment.

2018 Was a Busy Year For Improvements in Riverfront Park

Two projects in the park were completed last year.

The pavilion was built near the park entrance and has electricity, with a parking lot nearby.

For more information, click below:

Riverfront Park Pavilion Nearly Ready For The Public

The wooden overlook boardwalk was built near the confluence of the Marmaton River and Mill Creek and has seating along the perimeter.

For more information, click below:

Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park

The long-range plan is a walking bridge across the river and trails south of the Marmaton River on River Road, he said.

Additionally, signage was installed in the park and other parts throughout Bourbon County. Click below for more information.

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs

The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.

“When we can receive money to do it, we will do it,”  Witt said.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board meets whenever Witt calls a meeting, “Once a month or every six weeks.” he said.

On the board in addition to Witt are Betty Boyko, Penny Pollack Barnes,  Bob Love, Danny McGee,  Arnold Scholfield, Jeff Sweetser and Allen Warren.

The Belltown Trail is part of the City of Fort Scott walking trail system.

 

 

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