New hiking program set to explore local trails

While overlooking the picturesque landscape on his first hike over 10,000 feet, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Kegin thought about how he could share his passion for hiking with the community.

Shortly after coming down from the peak, Kegin launched the Eudora Explorers hiking program.

Kegin, who will lead the hikes, said the new program will be a great opportunity for families or anybody interested in hiking to learn about the activity and nature.

“I think of my own potential hikes around here and what we can do, what I can share with people,” Kegin said. “I can share a little knowledge of what I might have, and we’ll just enjoy time in nature.”

Kegin will host an informational meeting at 3:30 p.m. July 5 at the Community Center for those interested in joining. Kegin said the meeting will be beneficial in gauging people’s interest, their experience level, their goals for the program and what trails they would like to visit.

Even though Kegin is not a professional guide, Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington said Kegin is the perfect person to be in charge of the program.

“This was his baby, and we’re proud that he got this going,” Pennington said. “It’s something he is really passionate about whether it’s hiking or canoeing or kayaking or all of those things. So, that’s really what it’s all about when it’s something you’re passionate about and you can trickle that passion down to somebody else.”

Since this is the first go-around for the program, Kegin said he plans on it evolving to the group’s wants and needs. He is also open to suggestions on what trails to visit.

“I’m an explorer, and there’s a lot to do around here,” Kegin said.

Some potential hiking destinations Kegin mentioned include Kill Creek Park, Lexington Lake Park, Clinton State Park and the Jesse James Cave in Pomona.

Kegin said the hikes will be about 2-3 miles long, or about 60 to 90 minutes.

For most trips, the group will meet at the Community Center and travel to the park in the Parks and Recreation passenger van that seats roughly 10 people. To pay for gas, the cost is $10 per participant per hike.

Kegin said he hopes the program delivers an unforgettable experience for younger members that encourages them to get outside more.

“You know, animal watching, bird watching, you see many eagles out there. It’s a special hike when you get to see one of those and I’ll tell you, if you have a kid, they wouldn’t forget it,” Kegin said. “A father-son or daughter thing would be awesome, you know, to get their kids involved in nature. Get them off the Xbox, so to speak, and then for them to go out on their own. To maybe take a big trip on their own to go to a national park and explore those or even a state park. There’s a lot out there to offer.”

However, the club has an age requirement of 13 and up.

Parks and Recreation programmer Matt Shirhall said the program is unique because smaller cities like Eudora normally do not have programs like Eudora Explorers.

“There’s not all that much natural space to go explore,” Shirhall said. “As far as getting out and hiking, you really do have to get out and go places. So, I think it’s a really cool program idea because it’s giving people the opportunity to go out and see different areas and learn different things.”

Pennington said she is excited about all the possibilities for the program in its first year.

“We want to hear from the people that are coming to this club of what do they want to see, where could we go and go see,” she said. “This is just the start of a lot of possibilities of what else would they like to see, what haven’t they seen and those kinds of things. It’s a pilot program, so we’ll see where it goes. So, next year it could look completely different, but we’re excited to see what happens.”

Those interested in joining the Eudora Explorers can register here.

Reach reporter Jack Denebeim at [email protected]