Kansas’ new state park already has “crystal clear blue water” and miles of trails, and it is now closer to having more amenities.
Kansas lawmakers last year created Lehigh Portland State Park in Iola. Now, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is working on infrastructure improvements around the 138-acre lake on a nearly 360-acre property.
The state is bidding out contracts to construct a visitor’s center, a limestone campground, a shale campground and such infrastructure as water, sewer and roads.
When Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signed the bill last year, Brad Loveless, the then-secretary of KDWP, indicated more work was needed.
He said: “Tremendous value is being added to Kansas’ already world-class state parks system in the form of a beautiful lake and quality trails. While I know this property is going to be an instant hit with our park-goers, I also know that our park staff’s plans for development will make it even more inviting in the very near future.”
What Lehigh Portland infrastructure work is KDWP bidding out?
The state government contracting portal shows KDWP has four open requests for proposals. The agency is looking for contractors to build the following:
- A limestone campground.
- A shale campground.
- A visitor’s center.
- Infrastructure, including water, sewer, a lagoon and roads.
