KCStar editorial supports Kansas City trail system

The MetroGreen system of trails in the Kansas City area now includes more than 100 miles in urban and suburban areas of Johnson, Clay, Platte, Jackson and Wyandotte counties. Many more miles are on the drawing boards. . . .

The themes of connections and different uses for trails come up repeatedly.

Dale V. Crawford, park project coordinator in Olathe, said a trail can be “a gnarly single track with logs, rocks and big enough jumps to get some mad air on a mountain bike.” For a growing number of people, he said, a good pathway “offers one the opportunity to improve one's health while saving money and enjoying their commute to and from work, school or doing errands.” . . .

Not all governments are on equal footing when it comes to building trails. A few such as Johnson, Clay and Platte counties and Olathe can tap into dedicated revenues.

Better-built trails, naturally, can cost more than those created by simply laying down a mulch path.

“Trails are amenities that the communities want to see,” said Steve Rhoades, MetroGreen planner with the Mid-America Regional Council. “However, I don't think we have the resources to build them fast enough.” . . .

A broader funding approach is required for the metropolitan area to make a powerful leap in construction over the next few years.

Supporters have talked about asking voters to approve a regional source of money for trails. While no firm plan is in hand, it eventually could include sales tax elections on both sides of the state line.