Parks

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A “FIRST DAY HIKE”

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:09:48 GMT

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that three Kansas state parks will participate in the America’s State Parks “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day 2012. Each hike will offer individuals and families opportunities to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on the first day of the year.

State park staff and volunteers at El Dorado, Tuttle Creek and Lake Scott state parks will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website http://www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes .

“I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than hiking through one of our beautiful Kansas state parks,” said Linda Craghead, Assistant Secretary of Parks and Tourism for KDWPT. “Hiking on one of the many maintained state park trails promotes a healthy lifestyle and will undoubtedly unveil a pristine winter landscape with stunning views and wildlife observations.”

For more information on First Day Hikes in Kansas, contact El Dorado State Park, 316-321-7180; Tuttle Creek State Park, 785-539-7941; or Lake Scott State Park, 620-872-2061.

America’s State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. From California to Maine, hikers can climb hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds and beaches, and traverse trails through forests, fields and prairies. Visitors can listen to birds, breathe in the fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, feel the wind and the warmth of the sun or the coldness of the snow. Visitors can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, experience spectacular views and vistas and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide.

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks. Many other states have offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

America's State Parks is committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.

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KDWPT ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY OFFICE SCHEDULE

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:18:46 GMT

Dec. 15, 2011
State parks open for use but some park offices closed during holiday period
PRATT — All Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices will be closed for the Christmas holiday, Dec. 26, as well as Jan. 2 for New Year’s Day. While all state parks will be open for visitation and use, some state park offices will be closed additional days, including the following:

Western Kansas

Cedar Bluff State Park — closed Dec. 30;
Glen Elder State Park — closed Dec. 22 at noon through Jan. 2;
Lovewell State Park — closed Dec. 27 through Dec. 30;
Meade State Park — closed Dec. 27;
Prairie Dog State Park — closed Dec. 23;
Scott State Park — closed Dec. 23; and
Webster State Park — closed Dec. 30 at noon.

Central Kansas

Cheney State Park — closed Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 at noon;
Kanopolis State Park — closed Dec. 23-27 and Dec. 30;
Milford State Park — closed Dec. 27 and Dec. 30; and
Wilson State Park — closed Dec. 23-27 and Dec. 30.

Eastern Kansas

Clinton State Park — closed Dec. 22;
Crawford State Park — closed Dec. 23;
Cross Timbers State Park — closed Dec. 28 and Dec. 30;
Hillsdale State Park — closed Dec. 30;
Eisenhower State Park — closed Dec. 30;
Elk City State Park — closed Dec. 23;
Pomona State Park — closed Dec. 22; and
Prairie Spirit State Park — closed Dec. 23.

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KDWPT TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD HEARING DEC. 5 IN WICHITA

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:29:48 GMT

Nov. 17, 2011
Project funding under the Recreational Trails Fund Act to be discussed
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Trails Advisory Board will hold a public meeting Monday, Dec. 5, at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th Street N in Wichita. The purpose of hearing is to discuss projects previously submitted for funding under the Recreational Trails Fund Act. The meeting will begin at noon in the Nature Center’s auditorium. Signs on the premises will provide directions to the meeting room.

Persons interested in commenting on projects should attend this meeting. Grant applicants are encouraged to attend and discuss their proposals. Time for comments will be limited. Final decisions about proposals will not be made at this meeting but must go to the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Toursim Commission for approval.

For more information, write Kathy Pritchett, Trail Grant Coordinator, KDWPT, 512 SE 25th Avenue, Pratt, Kansas 67124, or phone 620-672-5911. If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the TDD Service at 1-800-766-3777. An individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting Kathy Pritchett at 620-672-5911.
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KANSAS STATE PARKS OPEN FOR WINTER BUSINESS

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:43:30 GMT

Nov. 3, 2011
Cold weather months limit facilities, but parks still offer outdoor opportunities
PRATT — Kansas state parks began their off-season on Oct. 1, and it runs through March 31. During this time, many state parks cut down on services although all remain open. Hours and services vary from park to park, but most offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but are closed on holidays.

In addition, most unheated toilets and shower buildings with running water are shut down for the cold season. Most heated buildings remain open through the regular firearms hunting seasons, and some remain open year-round. While drinkable water is available at each park headquarters all year, water is shut off at campgrounds and day-use areas that are prone to freezing pipes.

Most parks have some drinkable water available at freeze-proof valves in campgrounds into late November or early December, depending on the weather. Electricity stays on year-round where it is available. Each park remains open to vehicles; however, some campground loops may be closed. Some boat ramps across the state may be closed or only usable by shallow-draft boats.

And while some facilities are reduced, so are some off-season park permit fees. A Daily Vehicle permit is $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60); an Annual Vehicle permit is $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10); a Daily Camping permit is $7.50; and a 14-Day Camping permit is $87.50.

In addition, rental cabins 20 state parks and five wildlife areas make a winter stay comfortable. For more information on cabins at state parks, go to “State Parks/Locations With Cabins” at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

For other winter park details, look up individual state parks on the KDWPT website. Conditions may also be checked by phoning individual parks.
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OCTOBER OPENS BARGAIN SEASON AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:43:57 GMT

Oct. 27, 2011
Reduced prices, uncrowded conditions make parks attractive in fall and winter
PRATT — If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure bargain close to home, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has a deal for you. The state park off-season runs Oct. 1-March 31, and during this time, you can enjoy parks at reduced prices. Kansas is well into autumn, and many outdoorsmen and women consider this is the best time of year to visit a Kansas state park. Hunters and anglers — and even campers looking for a cool-season adventure — take advantage of these lower prices while relaxing in cool weather and uncrowded conditions.

Hunters and anglers probably use parks more than other visitors during the off-season, and the growing number of cabins in parks makes a stay more inviting — and comfortable. Many cabins provide the amenities of home and proximity to popular outdoor activities. Cabin rental fees vary depending on size, days of the week, and time of year. Visit reserve.ksoutdoors.com for cabin information and reservations.

Standard off-season state park permit fees are as follow:

Daily Vehicle permit — $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60);
Annual Vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10);
Daily Camping permit — $7.50; and
14-Day Camping permit — $87.50.

Costs listed include applicable service fees (an online purchase convenience fee is not included). Annual permits purchased in either the off-season or the prime season are valid for the remainder of the calendar year. 2011 permits go on sale Dec. 15.

KDWPT’s Parks Division operates a system of 26 parks. In addition to cabins, most state parks provide utilities and primitive camping and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Utility fees remain unchanged year-round.

In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, trails, and a variety of other amenities. More information on cabin reservations and state park fees is available at the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.
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