The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Northwest Oklahoma 2

Related Photos

  • John Gooden of Kingfisher Trails shows planned projects that will link neighborhoods.

    Kingfisher_Trails_1_SY.jpg

  • This sign at the Chisholm Trail statue in downtown Kingfisher is part of the Kingfisher Trails project.

    Cover_Kingfisher_Trails_2_SY.jpg

  • A sign Commemorating the reported first claim staked in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Run is a project of Kingfisher Trails.

    Kingfisher_Trails_4_SY.jpg

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March 13, 2010

On the right trail

Multi-use paths still in the works

By Joe Malan, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

KINGFISHER — A move to build a 10-foot-wide, multi-use pedestrian trail around the city of Kingfisher continues to gain steam and progress.

In order to complete the goal, local resident John Gooden founded Kingfisher Trails.

The project began in 2001 when the city was considering a third round of community improvement projects.

“We decided rather than creating new parks, we would look at doing a trail system,” Gooden said.

That December, Gooden took a walk along one of the creeks leading to Kingfisher Park. He thought that area would be a good place to start the trail.

“I had forgotten just how beautiful that area was,” he said.

Kingfisher Trails began raising money and directing those who could to give $300.

By 2002, the non-profit organization had about $200,000 with which to work.

Since then, two phases of the trail system have been completed.

One portion of the current trail has been constructed around the high school, through a nearby nature area, to Briscoe Sporting Complex.

Another part of the trail was built in the northeast part of the city by Kingfisher Conservation Corp.

Gooden was hoping the entire trail system could have been built by now, but he realizes it’s going to take far longer .

“I originally thought the project would take 10 years,” he said.

Now, Kingfisher Trails is identifying phases of the plan that are doable and worth doing by themselves, he said.

He said the project has had four goals.

First, build trails and greenways in the city; second, further education for residents through art and historical sites; third, provide access to nature areas; and fourth, improve quality of life for citizens in Kingfisher.

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Northwest Oklahoma 2
  • Kingfisher_Trails_1_SY.jpg On the right trail

    A move to build a 10-foot-wide, multi-use pedestrian trail around the city of Kingfisher continues to gain steam and progress.

    March 13, 2010 3 Photos

  • Lingfisher_Life_2_The_Max_2_SY.jpg Kingfisher County gets healthy boost by living Life 2 The Max

    Last year, the newspaper and Kingfisher Regional Hospital partnered to create Life 2 The Max as a way to help Kingfisher residents maintain healthier lifestyles.

    March 13, 2010 2 Photos

  • Energizing the town

    Two Hennessey women began a project in 1999 that helped bring the town back from the doldrums of the early 1980s oil bust.

    March 13, 2010

  • Dover_Fire_BH.jpg Needing a little space

    Chief Bobby Gardner said an expansion of the aging Dover Fire Department was approved by county commissioners last month.

    March 13, 2010 1 Photo

  • Fairview_Sale_Barn_1_BH.jpg ‘Leaving with lots of smiles’

    Bobby Smith, owner of Fairview Sale Barn, may work 70 to 80 hours a week this time of the year, but he is OK with that because he loves what he does — sell cattle.

    March 13, 2010 2 Photos

  • Cover_89'er_Theater_1_SY.jpg Lights ... camera ... action

    Kingfisher’s 89’er Theatre, located at 304 N. Main in the heart of downtown, gives residents the opportunity to do just that, said Dalbow, who is general manager of the theater.

    March 13, 2010 3 Photos

  • Major_County_Drilling_1_BH.jpg Drill it into the economy

    With natural gas and oil prices rebounding, Major County Assessor Ralph Wilson said he hopes to see activity steadily increase.

    March 13, 2010 2 Photos

  • Watonga_Hospital_2_BH.jpg City, hospital working together to maintain services in Watonga

    Roland Gee, interim administrator, said cash flow for the hospital has been a problem in the last few months.

    March 13, 2010 2 Photos

  • Ringwood_Elem_1_BH.jpg Ringwood’s school trades out the old to go in with the new

    “Now we actually have a little room to spare. We can accommodate some pretty good growth.” — Ringwood Superintendent Tom Deighan

    March 13, 2010 1 Photo

  • Hennessey_Expansion_1_BH.jpg Changes in the air

    A big part of the project is to build a new, stand-alone building that will house a new library media center and two new science classrooms.

    March 13, 2010 2 Photos