Trail Commission

Purpose

The Osawatomie Trail Commission’s function is to continue to build Osawatomie’s trails and trail connections, and to recommend to the City Council each year, prior to adoption of the City budget, a budget for trails and related projects or improvements.

Commission members work to design, develop, and fund trails and trail related projects in and around the City of Osawatomie.

Definition of Trails

For the purposes of the Commission’s studies and recommendations, trails shall mean shared- use pathways that are non-motorized, year-round or seasonal, and available for use by pedestrians, bicycles, roller skaters, equestrians and other types of uses customary to an urban and suburban trail system. The goal of the Commission is to focus primarily on the construction of trails within and around the City limits, and to develop trails or trail connections that may also link to other public lands trail systems in the region.

Description of Commission Duties

  • Recommend priorities and an annual action for trail funding and construction using information from existing bike path and trails plans and specific study of potential trail segments.
  • Obtain trail project funding for approved City trail projects, leveraging funding to the greatest extent possible using matching funds, grants, partnerships, donations, and other cooperative approaches.
  • Coordinate project recommendations with the decision making and budgeting processes of the City.
  • Develop, coordinate, or organize other activities determined to be necessary to accomplish the goals of the Commission.

Download Trail Commission Procedure and Policy Booklet

Board Vacancies

When a board member vacates their position, or as a member's term expires, the City of Osawatomie will seek to fill the position immediately. Persons interested in serving are required to submit a completed Public Service Application to be considered for appointment. City Staff and/or current Board members may conduct brief interviews with applicants if necessary or desired.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Michele Silsbee Staff Designee (913) 755-2146 Ext. 231

Board Members

Name Title
Jeff Dorsett
Doug Walker
Mark Fuchs
Karen LaDuex
Kenny Diehm Council Liaison