Andover Augusta RailTrail Initiative

06/02/2026

Signs of the Times.

That old rail crossing sign that Mother Earth is slowly swallowing up is a relic.

It was some 12 years ago that the first conversations took place about turning the old BNSF rail line into the Redbud Trail in Andover and points east. About 2 years later, fund-raising began in earnest. This was the last time AARTI solicited donations for trail building.

Fast forward to today. The 4WARD campaign is meant to finish the final 4 miles of the Redbud Trail to Augusta.

Help us out by donating today!

06/01/2026

In today's Eagle.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DmpRyneLJ/

Andover invests in its Redbud trail as it looks to become a certified trail town
READ MORE: bit.ly/4dU4gMl

05/19/2026

Redbuddy Lois, AARTI Treasurer, reported that we hit Tony Durano's $2500 match Monday! $2500 turns into $5000!

Thanks to all who donated! Let's keep moving 4WARD to Augusta!

https://redbudtrail.org/donate

05/18/2026

Vincent, who rode his 35th Wicked Wind 100 Sunday, said it best, "That Wicked Wind was the wickedest ever!"

Thanks to all the wickedly-determined riders who came out to support this annual fundraiser for Prairie Sunset Trail and the Redbud Trail!

And a special thanks to all the wickedly hard-working volunteers who helped pull this off. It's a full day of work and the wind will blow the life right outta 'ya!

05/18/2026

It's okay to celebrate Bike Month every month! :- )

Redbuddies love the partnership with Andover Parks and Recreation and Andover KS!

Though May is already halfway over, we still want to celebrate National Bike Month!

Established in 1956 and promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month highlights the many benefits of bicycling and encourages more people to give biking a try, whether for recreation, exercise, commuting, or enjoying the outdoors.

At last week’s Council Meeting, we officially recognized May as National Bike Month and were proud to have Andover Augusta RailTrail Initiative accept the proclamation. Thank you to AARTI for your continued efforts to promote trails, connectivity, and active lifestyles in our community!

05/17/2026

4WARD Campaign Update

We went silent with fundraising messages over the winter, but that doesn't mean that we weren't raising money!

Since the 54/400 bridge ribbon cutting in November, we've raised right at $40,000, propelled by generosity of long-time annual donors and matching grants from Bicycle Pedaler and Tony Durano. Those two challenge matches alone will contribute $8,000. ("Will" because we're still short 5 - $100 donations to complete Tony's challenge.)

If you're following our page, you saw that AARTI, along with the City of Andover and City of Augusta, were recent Sunflower Foundation grant recipients. While these funds can not be used for trail construction - all the more reason to donate! - the funds help with programs that build awareness of the Redbud Trail to a broader audience and engage and connect our two communities.

We anticipate another major fundraising announcement soon! In the meantime, please consider making a donation today! https://redbudtrail.org/Donate

05/16/2026

Trail Building 101:

Step 3
After the mass distribution of fines, (recall that from your first class?!), the surface is blade graded to provide a uniformly flat surface; filling in low spots with excess material from high spots.

Step 4
The surface is compacted with a vibratory compactor. (Check out the video. You can hear the vibration of the drum. Redbuddy Craig could feel it in his bones. Redbuddy Christian of C3 Skidsteer Services says it blurs his vision because it's vibrating the vitreous humor in his eyeballs!)

05/16/2026

This just in...
AARTI is proud to partner with Andover and Augusta, as we look to link our communities in important and meaningful ways for generations via the Redbud Trail. These grants will help to build community awareness and engagement.

05/14/2026

It begins! YAY!

C3 Skidsteer Services began work on the rail-to-trail conversion of the 0.6 mile section of the Redbud from the south end of the 54/400 bridge to Santa Fe Lake Rd.

Step 1 happened yesterday - Spreading and leveling base aggregate.

Step 2 began this morning - The aggregate hauler deposits several tons of "fines" per load. Fines is the surface material used to make a navigable, resilient gravel trail surface. Christian does a rough distribution of material to a depth of about 6".

Steps 3 and 4 will follow in the next day or three.
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This is an active construction site so please do not attempt passage.

05/13/2026

Shout out to ASM Engineering Consultants, long-standing Redbud Trail supporter, for their $1,000 donation to the 4WARD capital campaign to raise money to complete the final 4 miles of the 'Bud to Augusta!

ASM provides engineering consultancy services on civil, structural, and rail projects from offices in Andover and Olathe.

We can officially change their name to Redbuddy ASM!

How about the rest of Andover Area Chamber members or Go Augusta? Be a Redbuddy!

Donate today: https://redbudtrail.org/donate
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Andover Area Chamber of Commerce Inc