FORT SCOTT, Kan. - The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has approved a grant of up to $40,000 to build a new dock and repair aging pond infrastructure at Gunn Park, city commissioners learned at their Aug. 18 meeting.
"I'm Don George, your fisheries biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks," George told the Fort Scott City Commission, delivering the news in person. He said the award will fund dock construction and pond repairs at the park, through the Community Fisheries Assistance Program. George thanked City Manager Brad Matkin for taking the initiative to work with KDWP on improving facilities in Gunn Park. Most of the money is earmarked for two projects at the park's ponds.
"We plan to try to help build a nice dock, handicapped accessible, there on the first pond, which is also the trout pond," George said, referring to Fern Lake, one of the park's two fishing lakes. W.C. Gunn donated Fern Lake to the city in 1910, and it's stocked with trout each fall and winter, according to KDWP's website.
"Some remaining funds will be utilized to renovate part of the rearing pond where the catfish are grown," George said, adding that he estimated the pond's dam was built between 1956-1957 and has gone largely without upkeep since its build. The awarded grant gives KDWP a chance to help the city fund renovations on the dam.