Topeka — Just minutes from downtown, the state is opening a new park that has miles of trails, abundant wildlife and a boat ramp on the Kansas River.
The Kaw River State Park will be dedicated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday by Gov. Mark Parkinson.
But before that, there will be the inaugural Kaw River Run, a four-mile run and two-mile walk with entry fees going to the adult education program of Let’s Help of Topeka. That starts at 8 a.m.
After the park dedication, the new boat ramp will be dedicated at 11:30 a.m., and a canoe flotilla will paddle down the Kansas River to the Great Overland Station on Kansas Avenue.
The park, under development since 2007, is at 5630 SW Sixth Ave. — at the former location of the Menninger clinic, which moved its operations to Houston.
The Kaw River State Park is a day-use park that is free and open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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ryknow1976 (anonymous) says…
A park on the old Menninger's grounds. You'd be crazy not to go...
sad_lawrencian (anonymous) says…
Aaah this is where my crazy ex-girlfriend went when she said she was moving to Topeka.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
hey, the ten thousand buddhas took over property for the old Mendocino State Hospital..
too bad Menninger's isn't turned into a bed and breakfast.
sustainabilitysister (anonymous) says…
The Menninger clinic was a great asset to the eastern Kansas community. The establishment helped a lot of people and began to lift the veil of stigmas associated with mental illnesses. I look forward to visiting the park in the future.
misterlee (anonymous) says…
I had a friend who lived on the Menninger grounds. Her father was on the staff and was provided a house.
mdrndgtl (anonymous) says…
Cool story, bro.