A connection trail linking Lehigh Portland State Park and the Southwind Rail Trail south of Iola, has been shuttered.
The Lehigh Portland Trails group announced the closure in a Facebook post this week.
The link is not a part of either trail system, but rather passes through private property. A 10-year lease allowing use of the trail was not renewed this year.
A privacy fence along the pathway featuring a pair of picturesque murals — one from Iolan Stephen Gilpin, the other by Kansas City artists Isaac Tapia and Rodrigo Alvarez — will be relocated to another portion of the trail complex, according to the Facebook post.
Barricades blocking access have been posted at both ends of the link.
Trail users are encouraged to access the Lehigh Portland trails from Iola by using a pedestrian bridge on South Washington Avenue spanning Elm Creek.
AS AN aside, the next volunteer work day for the Lehigh Portland Trails will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Volunteers are asked to meet at the east trailhead, near the intersection of Nebraska Road and 1600 Street.
Work locations vary. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing, such as a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc., and wear close-toed shoes and long pants.
Thrive Allen County will provide tools and gloves, although helpers are welcome to bring their own.
For more information, contact trail manager David Ball at (620) 215-2579.
