Kirksville's Forest Lake Area Trail System Groundbreaking Celebration set for Thursday

The Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS) Groundbreaking Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd, at 4:00pm: 

Trail constructions equipment at Thousand Hills

The Forest Lake Area Trail System is thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Celebration for Phase One of the project!

The celebration will take place at the Petroglyph site in Thousand Hills State Park and feature special guests, presentation of Phase One designs, an update on the construction schedule, music from the Kirksville High School Band, and a chance to begin digging on the trail route. 

If you’d like to join in, please bring a shovel!

Kirksville area trail advocates have been working for the creation of the FLATS trail for many years.  In 2012, MoBikeFed recognized two of the advocates, Royce Kallerud and Dan Martin, with an award at Capitol Day recognizing their work in creating the trail link.

The Forest Lake Area Trail System web site gives more information about the trail and the reason advocates want to build it: 

Sunset along the Phase 1 route

The Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS), an all-volunteer community organization, was formed in April 2009 to support the development, use, and maintenance of trails in Adair County.

Our primary goal is to construct a 4-mile, paved multi-use trail system connecting Thousand Hills State Park and the City of Kirksville, Missouri.

The first phase of the trail, an eight-foot wide concrete trail between the Petroglyph Site and Marina in Thousand Hills State Park, will be built in fall 2013.

Why Build This Trail?

Kirksville’s proximity to Thousand Hills State Park is an untapped resource. The Forest Lake Area Trail System will provide northeast Missouri residents and businesses with an economic boost and contribute to our overall quality of life.

Users of the Forest Lake Area Trail System will be able to walk, hike, camp, boat, bike, swim, fish, picnic and simply enjoy the outdoors. This trail will be a resource for visitors and residents for generations to come.

Trails promote health and wellness, reduce health care costs, raise property values, and improve quality of life, making communities more attractive for businesses and enjoyable for residents.

Image credits: Forest Lake Area Trail System