ATSU, the City of Kirksville, and FLATS to develop trailhead for community
Posted: October 17, 2016
A.T. Still University (ATSU), the City of Kirksville, and Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS) reached an agreement to develop a trailhead for a key segment of the project. FLATS is an all-volunteer community organization formed in 2009 to support the development, use, and maintenance of trails in Adair County. The group’s primary goal is to construct a multi-use trail system connecting Thousand Hills State Park and the City of Kirksville. The land used for trailhead development was gifted to the University by ATSU fraternity Theta Psi, and it is through Theta Psi’s generous gift that ATSU will develop a trailhead near Kirksville’s Patryla Park.
“A.T. Still University is pleased to partner with City of Kirksville and FLATS leadership to provide needed land for the creation of a trailhead and parking located at the southwest corner of Osteopathy Avenue and Missouri Street. When completed, FLATS will provide the citizens of Kirksville a prized community asset enhancing the health, wellness, and economic vitality of Northeast Missouri,” said ATSU President Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, FAOASM.
The trailhead will also benefit the City of Kirksville by beautifying the area, creating access to FLATS trails near downtown, and providing restroom facilities and parking near Patryla Park and Spur Pond. As part of the agreement, the City of Kirksville will maintain the land and public restrooms.
“The FLATS organization is a testament to what a group of individuals can accomplish through conviction and dedication. Their vision to complete a four-mile stretch of trail has served to inspire others to get involved to help keep the momentum and continue the efforts toward making this trail a reality,” said City Manager Mari Macomber. “Because of this, the City will benefit from land obtained by A.T. Still University for the future site of the trailhead.”
Trails promote health and wellness, reduce healthcare costs, raise property values, and improve quality of life, thus, making the community more attractive for businesses and residents alike.
FLATS Chair Royce Kallerud said, “Theta Psi’s incredible generosity and the support we’re receiving from ATSU and the City of Kirksville has brought us one step closer to completing this project and will make a proposed three-quarter mile section of trail in Kirksville possible in the near future. Having the option to develop these facilities in this highly visible location will multiply the positive impact of this project in our community.”
The trailhead is a key piece of the puzzle in allowing the people of Kirksville to have a connected route from the city to Thousand Hills State Park and will further the cause for economic development in an active community today and for future generations.