Get Your Feet Dirty

Lawrencians aren’t the only people who know how great Lawrence is. CNN recently named Lawrence one of the 10 best towns in America to visit in 2026. We at K-10 believe it as well, but we also believe a few more quality destination attractions can improve the quality of life even more for residents. These attractions can also bring more visitors to Lawrence who will spend their dollars supporting local businesses downtown and across our community.

The next two newsletters will introduce two such destination attractions we intend to bring to Lawrence during Phase 1 of our two-phase STAR Bonds project. The first is The Barefoot Trail Lawrence.

When was the last time you and your kids walked barefoot together through the mud, over river rocks of all sizes, across cobblestones or on tree bark? It may sound unusual here in the U.S., but reflexology paths made of cobblestones, river rocks, wood and other materials can be found in public parks across Asia and Europe. Foot reflexology has been studied for potential wellness benefits, although research into its effectiveness continues.

The experience isn’t all about what is under your feet. There are also hammocks and live music in the woods, giving families a chance to slow down and enjoy a few moments together. I am not sure I can find any medical studies linking wellness to hammocks or live music, but I sure know it works for me.

The Barefoot Trail Flagstaff brings these experiences together and much more. It is a one-mile manicured path through the Flagstaff, Arizona forest with a variety of surfaces designed to be experienced barefoot. There are also obstacles and activities to keep kids engaged. In short, it’s a place where you can take your shoes off, relax, have some fun and get back in touch with nature.

Brian Clothier, K-10’s Special Projects Manager, spent several hours walking The Barefoot Trail Flagstaff and was one of the many adults, along with their children, grinning from ear to ear that day. Here is a fun video that highlights the reactions of visitors and media who have experienced the park in Arizona.

We’re pleased that founder Leah Williams and The Barefoot Trail team have chosen The 1059 for their Lawrence location. The trail is planned for the southernmost portion of The 1059, among the mature trees along the Wakarusa River. Some of the bur oaks in this area are estimated to be more than 200 years old, and we plan to keep them. The mature trees and canopy are an important part of what will make this location special.

Creating the trail will include active, thoughtful management of the woods. Smaller trees competing with mature trees, as well as diseased trees and hazardous limbs, will be selectively removed while maintaining the canopy. Brush will be cleared and non-native invasive species targeted for removal. Tree work will be scheduled outside protected periods for local bats, and wood that does come down will be reused throughout the trail, amphitheater and parking areas.

The Lawrence location will also use plant-based insect deterrents, including cedar oil, to help manage mosquitoes and ticks. Educational conversations with visitors will be tailored to the native ecosystem of the Wakarusa Valley, making this a Barefoot Trail experience designed specifically for its Lawrence setting.

Leah and her team are excited to begin developing The Barefoot Trail Lawrence at The 1059 in 2027, with plans to open in early 2028.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring The Barefoot Trail to Lawrence. From the beginning, our vision has been to create a place where people can get outside, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a unique experience that supports physical, mental and emotional well-being in a fun and memorable way. The adventure stations woven throughout the trail invite visitors to slow down, engage their senses and experience the grounding sensations of natural surfaces underfoot.”

We trust that you and plenty of new visitors to Lawrence will enjoy The Barefoot Trail Lawrence as much as Brian and the families he met that day in Flagstaff.

Leah is ready to get started:

“We are bringing foot fun for everyone—coming to Lawrence in 2028!”