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.