Three-Mile Creek Trail

The Three-Mile Creek Trail project is a $1.3 million bike/pedestrian path that allows users to enjoy the creek’s beauty while also learning more about the area’s rich history. We completed the trail’s final design and provided construction inspection and administration.

The trail stretches from the Missouri River at Leavenworth Landing Park to Haymarket Square at 7th Street in Leavenworth, Kansas. The trail, which is about three-quarters of a mile, runs along the creek and lets users experience the natural beauty of the tributary and its aesthetic qualities.

This project was selected by the Kansas Department of Transportation for funding as part of the Transportation Enhancement Program. We developed the trail and design theme to complement the adjoining historic downtown district and to meet community needs.

In planning the trail, our team paid special attention to ensure that it conveyed the historical significance of the creek and of the City of Leavenworth.

Constructing the trail along the tributary required a design that allowed accessibility to its users. The design also had to coordinate with existing vehicular bridges that cross the tributary and incorporated elevated sections of trail. In addition, the design needed to accommodate the trail’s sensitivities along the stream bank.

Our design incorporated a high level of sensitivity to the natural environment and adjacent property, while complying with all regulatory agencies that govern the trail and tributary. 

The project provided an opportunity to rehabilitate and restore the stream bank to a more stable and natural state, while maintaining the stream’s tranquility. 

The trail was constructed from 2008 to 2009. It was the winner of the 2010 APWA Project of the Year: Transportation Less Than $5 Million.