Santa Fe Trail awareness planned in county
Staff reporter
Per the request of Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman, Marion County Commission agreed to be the keeper of an easement so historical markers for the Santa Fe Trail can continue in Marion County.
Huffman told the commission June 25 that she had met some people on a barn tour in the Peabody area who were working on promoting the Santa Fe Trail in Marion County.
"They are at a point where they can go no farther and need someone to partner with them," Huffman said.
The trail promoters want to create a kiosk, or a small structure to be used to display information about the trail near Lost Springs. Ideally, area near the kiosk would be available for tour buses to pull in and pull out. A stone "Lost Springs" sign could be moved to the other side of the road, Huffman said.
Huffman said she was working with the landowner to obtain an easement for the tourist attraction and wanted the commission to participate.
With that, the commission approved their partnership with the project by handling the easement.
Signs will be provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. KDWP also is working on brochures but needs financial assistance in producing them. Huffman suggested Marion County Economic Development Council provide some funds.
The group also is hoping to have the Santa Fe Trail designated as a scenic byway which will be another tourist draw.
