CITY PLANS TO MAKE ITS FINE PEDESTRIAN TRAIL EVEN BETTER BY CONNECTING PARKS

When a flood-control project on the city's west end was unveiled almost 30 years ago, a plan for a pedestrian trail running its entire length wasn't of much concern. It was even received with a few snickers here and there.

But what an improvement the trail has turned out to be. Cape LaCroix Trail is heavily used. People bicycle, walk or run from one city park to another along the trail. Shawnee Park is connected to Arena Park, which is connected to Osage Park.

The city plans to extend the trail. The new trail will be a 4-foot-wide, concrete trail and is part of the city's comprehensive plan to link all city parks by a pedestrian trail.

With the trail's heavy use, anything the city can do to carry out that goal will be appreciated by the many people who find relaxation and exercise along Cape LaCroix Trail.