GOVERNMENT

Report recommends Shawnee County residents take advantage of ‘agritourism’

Tim Hrenchir
Kenny Hamilton started up the 86th Street Orchard with the help of his wife Cathy. Here he stands by rows of his blackberries. Along with blackberries Hamilton also has several varieties of apples including Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, and JonaGold. (Thad Allton/The Capital-Journal)

The blackberries and red raspberries were in their early stages of growth this past week at Kenny and Cathy Hamilton’s 86th Street Orchard in northern Shawnee County.

The attraction is “northeast Kansas’ newest source for pick-your-own fruit, veggies and more,” its Facebook page says.

The 10-acre orchard includes apple trees, pear trees, a vineyard and bee hives, according to its website.

Such “agritourism” opportunities are a good way to help grow the local economy, according to Omaha, Neb.-based RDg Planning and Design, a consultant working for the Shawnee County government.

RDg is helping the county craft a 20-year land use plan for its unincorporated areas while determining what Shawnee County might look like in two decades.

County commissioners are expected later this year to consider approving the plan, which would be the first ever to establish goals and aspirations in terms of community development for the county’s unincorporated areas.

County planning director Barry Beagle recently provided The Topeka Capital-Journal the latest in a series of “Big Ideas” reports crafted by RDg detailing the plan. That six-page document focused on “quality of life.”

The report started by talking about this county’s potential for cashing in on “agritourism,” which combines agriculture and tourism.

“Agritourism encourages tourists to visit Kansas farms, ranches and wineries and participate in the rural lifestyle,” the report said. “In the process, these activities provide lifelong memories for tourists and extra revenue for Kansas farmers.”

Agritourism helps to sustain the rural way of life and support local producers as tourists enjoy outdoor recreation, educational opportunities or chances to shop, dine or stay in Kansas, the report said.

It added, “86th Street Orchard is a perfect example of agritourism in Shawnee County.”

The report recommended Shawnee County support the development of agritourism by providing for land uses that help promote and maintain local farming operations and rural heritage and character.

“Preserve the rural landscapes by focusing development near existing development clusters,” the document added.

It also recommended the county:

Try to facilitate the construction of new neighborhoods through the development process while updating its zoning and subdivision ordinances to encourage neighborhood-oriented development.

Identify types of land suitable for park development.

Work with the county’s parks and recreation department to develop a countywide system of trails that connects into regional trails systems, including the Flint Hills Nature Trail.

Market natural, historic and cultural resources as opportunities to develop the economy and promote tourism, including focusing on the history of trails, Kansas statehood, civil rights and the environment.

“Explore the feasibility of designating an Oregon and California Trail Scenic Byway capitalizing on the area’s rich history” while seeking to further such a project using the proposed Oregon Trail Riverfront Park, for which the National Park Service is now developing plans in Topeka.

The Kansas Scenic Byways program identifies and designates scenic and historic roadways for the enjoyment of visitors, residents and local communities while promoting tourism and educating the public about the state’s environment, history and culture. Shawnee County currently has one scenic byway, the Native Stone Scenic Byway, which runs on K-4 and K-99 highways along the Mission and Mill Creek valleys in Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties, the report said.

Contact reporter Tim Hrenchir at (785) 295-1184 or @timhrenchir on Twitter.