photo by: Journal-World

The Douglas County Commission will hold their Wednesday meeting at the Douglas County Public Works building, 3755 E 25th St.

Some funds for the Open Space Plan, which maps out Douglas County’s approach for safeguarding and managing its natural and undeveloped lands, are being proposed to support Lone Star Lake Park and many more projects to come.

At the meeting on Wednesday, county commissioners will hear a presentation from the Open Space Team on how it plans to use its funding for open space planning and goals. In 2022, commissioners allocated $2.78 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to help with these initiatives.

The Open Space Plan focuses on three areas — current park improvements and enhancements, programmatic support for private land conservation and conservation of the Wakarusa River Corridor. Staff said in a memo that it is prepared to advance activities toward county park improvements, focusing on Lone Star Lake Park.

The team proposed replacing shelters, a swim dock, picnic tables and campground fire rings. Additionally, the plan suggests installing a new fishing dock, an ADA-accessible kayak launch and grading and road improvements.

The Open Space Team plans to provide updates and details on proposed American Rescue Plan Act expenses for strategic land conservation and the Wakarusa River Corridor by early fall 2024.

In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, commissioners will:

• Consider a request of $103,914.93 from the sheriff’s department for a purchase of a MailSecur scanner in order to enhance the safety and security within the jail. A memo about the request included in the agenda said the scanner was urgently needed, and that there has been an increase in incoming mail or other inmate documents at the jail being laced with illegal substances.

• Review a plan for a new bridge on Route 442 spanning Captain Creek in Eudora Township. The current triple box culvert, built by the Kansas Department of Transportation in 1931 as part of the original K-10 Highway alignment, has raised significant concerns. The 2024 bridge inspection report highlights issues such as concrete deterioration and accumulation of debris in the channel. As part of Douglas County’s Capital Improvement Plan, the Public Works department has recommended replacing this bridge by 2026.

• Hear a presentation from the Douglas County Food Policy Council, which will provide an overview of the council’s recent work and future goals. There will be no action following the informational presentation.

The County Commission’s business meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Douglas County Public Works training room at 3755 E. 25th St. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.