To the editor:

Twenty-two years ago I wrote the following description of the Burcham-Constant parks trail in my “Walking Trails Near Lawrence”:

“Although this trail is just a couple of blocks from downtown Lawrence, it is worlds away in terms of leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a lush forest along the Kaw River. Many people walk or jog along the trail in the early morning before they go to work and others have lunch along the riverbank under a willow. This trail is great for those who do not wish to travel far to enjoy nature. The trail traverses a natural floodplain forest containing huge specimens of eastern cottonwood and sandbar willow trees. An interesting ‘swamp’ is hidden 200 yards west of the trail. Evidence of beaver can be seen along the river. Giant wild grapevines climb profusely up cottonwoods while several varieties of mushrooms spring up in the sandy soil after spring rains.”

The Burcham-Constant parks trail is a natural trail in a natural setting. The proposed installation of sculpture pieces will destroy the essence of this path. It should be also pointed out that the people of Kansas own the land up to the normal high-water mark. Thus, we are holding this land in trust for all of the people of Kansas. A better location would be north of the existing sculpture in Burcham Park along the river. This area has already been disturbed by man.

Clark H. Coan, Lawrence