Mike Wildgen, City Manager

City of Lawrence, KS

City Hall

P.O. Box 708

Lawrence, KS 66044

July 20, 2005

Dear Mike,

On behalf of the Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan study committee, we would request that the City Commission move forward regarding the committee’s proposal for the City of Lawrence to purchase of the Sale Barn property at 911 E. 11^th Street for park purposes. 

On March 29, 2005, the City Commission received a proposal from the Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan study committee and the Old East Lawrence Neighborhood Association requesting the City purchase the Sale Barn property.  This proposal gave information regarding funding options, history of the Sale Barn site, and the general concept ideas for the park and trail project proposed for the adjacent abandoned BNSF rail corridor.  The Commission referred the proposal to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City staff for report.  

The proposal was placed on the April 12, 2005 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting agenda.  The Board recommended that the City look into the acquisition of the property based on their discussion of its historical value and its connectivity from Hobbs Park to the proposed rail-trail.  These minutes are attached for reference.

Again, the Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan Study Committee and the Old East Lawrence Neighborhood Association feel that the Sale Barn property site is an integral part of the proposed rail-trail/park project, would appropriately expand Hobbs Park, and enhance the area as a whole.

Sincerely,

Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan Study Committee