The sparkling new hilltop scenic overlook tower looms over the griddle-flat Cheyenne Bottoms below. Stretching out into the horizon Monday were the refuge’s shimmering pools, brim full from recent rains.
Despite soggy soil and intermittent light rain that afternoon, it was an ideal setting for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the viewing platform. Located between Hoisington and Claflin on K-4, the overlook project had been a long-time dream for Barton County commissioners, especially Kenny Schremmer.
“It finally happened,” Schremmer said in his address. Under a canopy, he spoke to a crowd of county, area city and state officials, along with other dignitaries and county residents, many huddled beneath umbrellas.
“I am excited by this as all of you are, Schremmer said. “This is for the people from anywhere.”
The idea of a tower dates back to the another ribbon cutting 17 years ago, for the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, he said. Officials believed the tower, along with the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, would be big draws for the region.
He foresees hunters, birdwatchers, bicyclists, other nature enthusiasts, tourists and bus loads of school children visiting the site. In the future, officials hope to develop trails from the tower into the bottoms.
The importance of the location goes back to World War II, Schremmer said. The elevated site of the new tower was used as a lookout for the U.S. Army Air Corps’ B-29 base in Great Bend when pilots and crews used the wetlands for bombing practice.
Now, it has a much more peaceful purpose.
Building the overlook took was a group effort, Schremmer said. “It just goes to show what a group of people can do.”
He recognized the many county departments that took part: the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Commission.
In August of 2016, the commission OKed a contract with L&M Construction of Great Bend for $328,746. Under the KDOT grants covering the project, the county will split 20 percent of the cost ($85,000) with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
The county, in partnership with the KDWPT, received two grants from the KDOT and the FHA for the improvements. There were two phases, the paving of the parking lot and sidewalks, and the tower. The contract covered both.
He also thanked Pete and Lois Krier of Claflin. They own the land where the tower stands and offered a long-term lease for the ground.
“We’re always trying to promote and enhance our byways,” said Scott Shields, byway coordinator for KDOT. “We are proud of all the work done locally on this.”
He looked out at those standing in the rain. “I am excited to see all the people come here to enjoy this.”
After the remarks, those involved in the project moved to the foot of the tower for the ribbon cutting. Next they climbed to the top to take in the view.
“You can see for miles,” someone said. Others snapped photos.
The development includes a 10-foot timber viewing tower accessed by a series of handicapped-accessible ramps. In addition, there is a paved sidewalk leading to the site from the current site of the information kiosk and parking lot, which will also be paved.
There are also color plaques telling the bottom’s story and benches, all under a shelter.
The 77-mile byway snakes through Barton and Stafford County, connecting Cheyenne Bottoms at the north end and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge at the south, and includes Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hudson, Stafford and St. John.
Established in 2002, this byway region has been named one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas.
Kansas has 12 byways — nine scenic byways and three historic byways. Two of the scenic routes, the Wetlands and Wildlife and the Flint Hills, have national scenic byway status.
