Lehigh Portland State Park Visitor Center Groundbreaking Ceremony Held Today
Iola, KS – Despite the blustery conditions, over 80 people gathered today for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lehigh Portland State Park visitor center. The new visitor center is part of the ongoing development of the new state park, which is being built on the site of the former Lehigh Portland Cement Company plant.
Thrive staff and board members and Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) personnel were among the 75+ in attendance, along with local figures and various members of the community. The ceremony began with a welcome from KDWP’s Regional Supervisor, Connor O’Flannagan, followed by remarks from Thrive Allen County’s President & CEO, Lisse Regehr, and Brett Blackburn from KDWP’s Engineering Section.
The new visitor center, once open, will be a valuable resource for visitors to Lehigh Portland State Park.
Community members and excited children take part in the groundbreaking ceremony.
Volunteer and local pastor, Dan Davis, holds up the plans for the new visitor center to protect it from the wind.
John Leahy and Taryn Gregg, former and current Director of Trails at Thrive Allen County.’
