New walking trail seen as boon to park

The second phase of the Kelley Park Walking Trail will give walkers more access to vehicle parking and draw more people to the park.

Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff gave an update Monday night at the McCook City Council meeting about Phase II of the trail, that will begin at the lower shelter house in Kelley Park, extend up to Kelley Park Drive, then down Bolles Canyon Road to M Street. As this route loops around Kelley Park, it's anticipated that it would draw more visitors to the park, Potthoff said.

More vehicle space for those driving to the trail also will be available, as this section eventually will connect to a parking lot that will be built by McCook Community College for its proposed the Event Center.

Original plans for Phase II had to be revised when it was found that additional funding would be needed to construct retaining walls to meet ADA requirements. It also called for the removal of about 75 trees, destroying the aesthetics of the trail.

Both the McCook Kelley Park Trail Committee and the Nebraska Games and Park Commission chose this revised route as the best alternative. The Nebraska Games and Park is providing a grant for 80 percent of the costs, with the city supplying 20 percent.

After plans and specifications for this phase are approved by the Council and the Nebraska Games and Park Commission, bids can be sent out. Potthoff hopes to see construction begin on this phase by summer.