David Killion, Lenexa, is the founder of Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, located on 130th Road in northern Bourbon County.
The property is 380 acres of rugged terrain, that Killion and a group of volunteers have made into miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and utility terrain vehicles.
The terrain consists of wooded hills, rugged rock ledges, and open fields with trails varying in difficulty.
At the recent Saturday morning Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee, he explained how he came to purchase the property.
“This 220-acre property came for sale and we met with the owners,” Killion said. “We signed a 15-year lease on the property. Seven years in, the owner passed away.” The owner’s family then sold the acreage to Killion. Then he talked to neighbors and was able to purchase an additional 160 acres.
Since its inception in 2003, Killion and a group of people mostly from the Kansas City area have built a pavilion, playground, air pump stations, picnic shelters/grills, handicapped accessible toilets, a campground with shower facilities, and recreational vehicle parking.
The park is run by a board of directors.
Almost every amenity built at the recreation park was supplied by grants and volunteer labor, with some hired contractor’s help, said Keith Monroe, one of the park’s board of directors.
Kansas Rocks is a fee-usage park, with entry fees for the driver and the vehicle, with an additional fee for passengers over 12 years old.
Pricing
Daily Pass
Daily Pass – Passengers 12y/o+
Hiking & Mountain Biking
Annual Pass
No all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, or horses are allowed in the park.
To view the rules of the park: https://www.ksrockspark.com/park-rules-regulations/
In addition to the trails, there are events planned throughout the year at the park.
The next Kansas Rocks event is the 20th Anniversary Celebration Event, on Oct. 14.
Registration is $40 at the gate, per vehicle, to include day entry, day activities, a blindfolded spotters competition, a King/Queen of Carnage Canyon competition, and more.
There will be a limited number of meal tickets for sale for $10 each.
Friday, Oct. 13, gates will open at noon for weekend camping spaces, must be reserved at the website: ksrockspark.com. Camping is available on Friday and Saturday.
There are shower facilities available.
Saturday, Oct. 14, the gates open at 8 a.m.
8 am-7:30 pm: The trails are open.
8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.: There are hidden trinkets in the park.
“Find ‘em and turn ‘em in at the office for your prize of shirts, hats, candy, and more,” Killion said
9:30 am-noon: There is the Carnage Canyon Showcase. “Come throw your hat in for a chance to win a lifetime annual pass or King/Queen of the Canyon sign with your name placed at the top of the canyon. Spectators can vote on their favorite.
There is a 20-person entry limit: the first 20 people to email [email protected] will be entered.
1 pm-4 pm: Spot the Blindfolded Driver Competition, located by the rock pile, upfront.
Two classes:
- The best club driver and spotter: both get a five-year annual pass.
The winning club also receives five Annual Passes for 2024.
CLUBS: 1 team entry per club, 10 team limit, email us who will represent the club @ [email protected]
- The best buddy driver and spotter. “Grab who you trust and show us how it is done! Winning driver and spotter get LIFETIME ANNUAL PASS to KRocks,” Killion said.
“There is a 10-team limit, sign-up day of the event at the park – if we receive more than 10 team entries, we will draw to see who gets to compete,” he said.
1:30-4:30 p.m.: There will be a bounce house for the kids by the pavilion.
5 pm: The dinner will be served at the pavilion.
5:45 pm: Guest speakers and winners from the day events will be announced.
7:45 pm: There will be a movie in the park, The Sandlot movie. The audience is asked to bring lawn chairs, blankets, drinks, and popcorn will be served.
The park is open for regular business on Sunday, October 15.
Other upcoming events:
Nov. 10-12 is Veteran’s Appreciation- Vets and First Responders get in free and can also enjoy free camping for the weekend.
December 9 is Wheelin’ for Toys- Get in for the day for only $15 if you bring a new toy for the kids.
The annual Frostbite event is the last Saturday of February.
Beginner Off-Road 101 classes are offered throughout the year.
