Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Department

DATE:           June 27, 2013

TO:              Dave Corliss, City Manager,

Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager

                             Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

                   Ernie Shaw, Interim Director Parks & Recreation

FROM:          Mark Hecker, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation

RE:               Burroughs Trail / Haskell Rail Trail Historic Research and Signage  

Please include the following item on the next available City Commission agenda:

Description

In May, City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Staff were approached by Mr. Henry Fortunato concerning a research project that he would like to undertake focusing on the history of the rail corridor that is now the Burroughs Creek Trail and the Haskell Rail Trial.  Mr. Fortunato is the director of public affairs of the Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, and will be returning to KU in 2013-14 on a part-time basis as the Simons Fellow in Public Humanities. His proposed project would be to use KU humanities graduate students to research and develop point of interest signage, to be placed along the existing trails. It is anticipated all cost for this project will be covered by private donations, with the only possible cost to the City being assistance in installation of the signs.

In addition to the students, Mr. Fortunato will also work with neighborhood associations surrounding the trail and local history experts as part of his project.

Funding

This project is being funded by privately donated funds. Parks & Recreation staff will assist with installation of signs.

Action Request

Authorize Mr. Henry Fortunato to proceed with the proposed historic research and signage project on the Burroughs Creek Trail and the Haskell Rail Trail.   

Thank you for your assistance.