Project Vision
The Fort Scott community holds a vision of a revitalized riverfront connecting the community to the river, enhancing tourism, and restoring an important environmental asset while keeping Fort Scott safer, cleaner and greener in the process.
Items to be immediately realized are a 1/2 mile hiking/biking trail on the North side of the Marmaton river and South of Mill creek. This project was funded through a grant from the Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Construction will begin in late 2014 on a river loop road and additional hiking/biking trails on the South side of the Marmaton river. This project will be funded by a transportation enhancement grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Future plans for the area between the Marmaton river and Mill creek include a Pavillion. Also included in the vision is an Overlook to be built at the confluence of the two tributaries. Both structures will be multi-use areas for gathering places, outdoor classrooms, event venues, or just simply as relaxation areas.
Long-term plans include extending a hiking/biking trail North and East along the Marmaton river to the Marmaton Bridge (Old Military Bridge). The Marmaton Bridge was constructed in 1878 and is on the National Historic Register. A hiking/biking trail extension leading South and West from the Riverfront park to Gunn Park, on the Western edge of Fort Scott, is also in the long-term plan. This trail system would include approximately 10 miles of hiking/biking trails connecting both historic locations to downtown.
Additionally, our plans include the relocation of the Long Schoals Bridge from its current location East of Fulton, KS, to the Riverfront park. The bridge will be used as a pedestrian bridge over the Marmaton river in the center of the park. The Long Schoals Bridge is on the National Historic Register. The bridge was constructed in 1902 and is one of the most ornate steel bridges in the area. We are seeking grants to fund the relocation of the bridge to the park.
We are fortunate that our park site is located adjacent to the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Our historic site, one of the few National Parks inside a city, attracts tourist from around the country. The Riverfront park will give visitors additional opportunities to explore and learn about our community and its history.
Items to be immediately realized are a 1/2 mile hiking/biking trail on the North side of the Marmaton river and South of Mill creek. This project was funded through a grant from the Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Construction will begin in late 2014 on a river loop road and additional hiking/biking trails on the South side of the Marmaton river. This project will be funded by a transportation enhancement grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Future plans for the area between the Marmaton river and Mill creek include a Pavillion. Also included in the vision is an Overlook to be built at the confluence of the two tributaries. Both structures will be multi-use areas for gathering places, outdoor classrooms, event venues, or just simply as relaxation areas.
Long-term plans include extending a hiking/biking trail North and East along the Marmaton river to the Marmaton Bridge (Old Military Bridge). The Marmaton Bridge was constructed in 1878 and is on the National Historic Register. A hiking/biking trail extension leading South and West from the Riverfront park to Gunn Park, on the Western edge of Fort Scott, is also in the long-term plan. This trail system would include approximately 10 miles of hiking/biking trails connecting both historic locations to downtown.
Additionally, our plans include the relocation of the Long Schoals Bridge from its current location East of Fulton, KS, to the Riverfront park. The bridge will be used as a pedestrian bridge over the Marmaton river in the center of the park. The Long Schoals Bridge is on the National Historic Register. The bridge was constructed in 1902 and is one of the most ornate steel bridges in the area. We are seeking grants to fund the relocation of the bridge to the park.
We are fortunate that our park site is located adjacent to the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Our historic site, one of the few National Parks inside a city, attracts tourist from around the country. The Riverfront park will give visitors additional opportunities to explore and learn about our community and its history.