Two historic central Missouri communities — Versailles and Cole Camp — celebrated major milestones Friday with groundbreaking ceremonies marking the next phase of development for Rock Island Trail State Park, Missouri’s 93rd and newest state park.

The twin ceremonies symbolize the growing statewide momentum behind transforming the former Rock Island Railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational trail that reconnects 23 communities.

“Today we are literally and symbolically breaking new ground,” said Rick Mihalevich, President of Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT). “When the trains stopped running, many of these small towns faced decline and isolation.”

Behind Mihalevich, banners from Cole Camp, Stover, Versailles, Barnett, and other Rock Island corridor towns waved in the breeze, representing the shared vision of community revival. When fully developed, the Rock Island Trail will connect with the Katy Trail to form a nearly 450-mile statewide loop, one of the most significant continuous rail-trail systems in the nation.

Versailles Leads the Way in Urban Connectivity

In Versailles, the day began with a morning groundbreaking led by Mayor Jamie Morrow and a strong showing of local, regional, and state support. The City of Versailles has partnered with MECO Engineering to design and construct approximately two miles of trail within city limits, stretching from Jefferson Street on the east to Fairgrounds Road on the west.

“The City has received enthusiastic support from local leaders, the business community, and residents who understand what this development means for our community,” said Mayor Morrow. “Once completed, the trail will provide safe passage for walkers and bikers — connecting our entire city to our business district, parks, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and schools.”

 

Breaking ground at Cole Camp. (Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park)

Once connected to other trail communities, Versailles leaders anticipate the project will bring a measurable economic boost, increasing tourism, small business opportunities, and community engagement.

“This forward-thinking mindset is why Versailles is proud to break ground on its portion of the Rock Island Trail,” said Mihalevich. “It’s not just a park; it’s an engine for progress.”

The Versailles ceremony featured an American flag display by the Versailles Fire Department, with personnel including Chief Duane Miller, Assistant Chief Kevin Bland, Captain Jim Towles, Commissioner Glenn White, Lt. Ashley Bland, Lt. Josh Weaver, Firefighters Emmy White and Vicki Campbell, and ‘Little Ember,’ daughter of Lt. Ashley Bland.

The official groundbreaking was led by Mayor Jamie Morrow, FoRIT Board Member Kim Henderson, Missouri State Parks Coordinator Ron Bentch, and State Representatives Willard Haley (58th District) and Bruce Sassmann (62nd District).

Special recognition was given to local supporters and organizations whose commitment made the project possible:

  • Versailles City Council: Dina Dunklee, Kriston Bentch
  • Public Works: Charles Hibdon, Rob Reeds, Matt Nelson
  • Police Department: Chief Chad Hartman, Lt. Michael Miller
  • Parks Department: Superintendent David Vogt
  • Community Leaders: Randy Washburn (trail proponent), Ann Brinson (Bank of Versailles), John Anderson (Citizens Bank of Eldon and Versailles), Adam Warnke (Martin Metal), Dr. Bryan Pettengill (Morgan County R-II Superintendent), Aaron Allen (Athletic Director), Stefanie LaFoy (Morgan County Health Department), Lea Jones and Dani Campbell (Morgan County Historical Society and Visitors Center Board), Louella Pryor (wife of late Councilman Chuck Pryor), and FoRIT advocates Charles Hunter and others.

“The support from across the community is overwhelming,” said Kim Henderson of FoRIT. “It shows that Versailles understands what the Rock Island Trail represents — connection, health, and opportunity.”

Cole Camp Builds on Years of Grassroots Vision

Later that afternoon, celebration continued in Cole Camp, where community leaders, volunteers, and trail advocates gathered to break ground on the community’s 1.77-mile trail segment and trailhead north of town.

Jo Ann Lane, Director, Benton County Economic Development indicated that the day marks a significant milestone for Cole Camp in leading the way to strengthening our local economy, create opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Benton County home.

Charles Hunter, who helped lead the Cole Camp effort, reflected on the collaboration that made it possible. “About five years ago, I contacted Cole Camp to see who was working on the project. That’s when I met Marge Lumpe, whose vision and drive inspired us all. With her leadership and partnerships through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri Department of Transportation, we turned an idea into a reality.”

The Cole Camp project, supported by an Active Living Grant and additional MoDOT funding, will connect the town to the larger Rock Island corridor and highlight natural landmarks like the Hi Lonesome Prairie Conservation Area, a 655-acre grassland designated as an Important Bird Area by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“There is beauty in that prairie — the greens, the browns, the sound of the wind,” Lumpe said. “Visitors will experience something truly special.”

The day concluded with Hunter’s trademark rallying cry, engaging the crowd in a chant of community determination:

“We will fill out the forms, talk to legislators, raise funds, and overcome obstacles — Build this Trail! From Windsor to Union, Build this Trail, Build this Trail, Build this Trail!”

A Unified Vision for Missouri’s Future

Ron Bentch, Missouri State Parks Rock Island Trail Development Coordinator, praised the growing collaboration. “The Rock Island corridor features some of the most breathtaking views in Missouri — from rolling prairie to river crossings and historic trestles,” Bentch said. “These projects in Versailles and Cole Camp show what’s possible when communities and the state work together.”

The Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT) continue to serve as the unifying voice for this 144-mile effort, working alongside the Missouri Humanities Council and local leaders to preserve history, promote tourism, and foster community pride.

“As we honor the past, enjoy the present, and embrace the future,” Mihalevich said, “we’re not just building a trail — we’re rebuilding the heart of Missouri.”

Top image: A portion of the Rock Island Trail. (Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park)