OWENSVILLE, Mo. (May 30, 2026) More than 100 trail supporters, community leaders, elected officials, and Missouri State Parks representatives gathered Saturday to celebrate the opening of a new segment of the Rock Island Trail State Park extending from Highway 19 to the historic Soap Creek Bridge in Gasconade County.
The ribbon cutting ceremony highlighted the continued progress of Missouri’s newest state park and the growing partnership among local communities, state leaders, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations working to advance the Rock Island Trail corridor.
Event moderator Rick Peth welcomed attendees and recognized Gasconade County Commissioners Ron Hardeke, Tim Schulte, and Jim Holland, whose leadership and commitment have helped make trail development in Gasconade County a reality. The commissioners were later presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of their support for the project.
Among those attending were Laura Hendrickson, Director of Missouri State Parks; Justin Adams, Deputy Director of Missouri State Parks; Ron Bench, Rock Island Trail State Park Coordinator; State Representative Bruce Sassmann; Owensville Mayor Kevin McFadden; former Gasconade County Commissioner Jerry Lairmore; members of the Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT); representatives of the East 24 Group; and members of the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association (RAEA).
Rick Mihalevich, President of the Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park, welcomed attendees on behalf of FoRIT and thanked the many partners, volunteers, elected officials, and community advocates who continue to advance trail development across the state.
Representing the East 24 Group, Cary Parker provided an update on community development initiatives and highlighted ongoing efforts to leverage the trail as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism. Angie Clancy from the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association had t-shirts on hand to raise money for Rosebud’s trail efforts.
Deputy Director Justin Adams spoke about Missouri State Parks’ finishing 15 miles of fence along the state park. The focus on landowners and meeting one-on-one has yielded increased understanding of the development of the Rock Island. Deputy Adams also thanked those in attendance for their support of Missouri State Parks. and the importance of strong local partnerships. Representative Bruce Sassmann recognized the significance of the project for the region, while former Commissioner Jerry Lairmore was recognized for his past support of the Rock Island on behalf of Gasconade County.
Following the presentation of a Plaque from FoRIT, Gasconade County Commissioners participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting and attendees traveled to the Soap Creek Bridge, where walkers, runners, and cyclists experienced the newly opened trail segment firsthand. Event coordinator Chrysa Niewald provided information regarding the organized walk, run, and ride activities, while volunteer Glenn Boettcher welcomed participants at the bridge.
The opening of the Highway 19-to-Soap Creek Bridge segment represents another important milestone in the ongoing development of the Rock Island Trail State Park. Together with recent openings in Gerald and Owensville and the groundbreaking in Belle, the project continues to build momentum across the eastern corridor.
“The success of today’s event reflects the tremendous partnership between local communities, Missouri State Parks, elected officials, volunteers, and trail advocates,” said Mihalevich. “Each new mile opened strengthens the connection between our communities and brings us closer to realizing the vision of a world-class trail that will benefit Missourians for generations.”
When completed, the Rock Island Trail State Park will connect with the Katy Trail State Park to form an approximately 450-mile trail experience across Missouri, creating one of the longest connected trail systems in the United States and generating significant recreational, tourism, and economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.
About the Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park
The Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for, promoting, and supporting the development of the Rock Island Trail State Park while assisting communities along the trail corridor in maximizing the recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities created by the trail. www.rockislandtrail.org