SE K N ews
CHERRYVALE — In May of 2025, Chris Hammerschmidt, project manager of Big Hill Lake, issued a proclamation declaring the new three-mile addition to the park’s equestrian and hiking system as a Purple Heart Trail. The Purple Heart is awarded to America’s armed forces personnel who have been wounded or paid the ultimate price in combat.
“I felt Purple Heart recognition was a good fit for this trail. It is a beautiful forested section of the park, ideal for reflection, and we are the Army Corp of Engineers,” Hammerschmidt said.
Following the proclamation, National Purple Heart Trail Coordinator Joe Sutton sanctioned the trail for inclusion in the national Purple Heart Trail System. Many of the nation’s Purple Heart Trails are highways or even communities. “This trail offers accessibility, natural beauty, and a peaceful environment that permits silent reflection and the ability to honor our Purple Heart recipients, unlike those more commonly seen. Its location and the general support made it an ideal site to recognize the sacrifice of our nation’s warriors,” Sutton said.
See HEART, Page 3.
The Big Hill destination marks the third official Purple Heart trail in Kansas, and the only one dedicated solely to hikers and horseback riders. The new trail begins at the Timber Hill horse camp located at 488 CR 21000, Cherryvale. The three-mile, one-way trail runs south from Timber Hill to near the Mound Valley recreation area. Although horses are not allowed in the Mound Valley camp, hikers can use the Mound Valley area as a pick-up and drop-off point.
Work continues on the trail with various volunteer groups trimming and clearing downed trees. A measuring wheel has traversed the trail, and mileage posts have been set every quarter mile. Purple heart decals will be affixed to each trail post to supplement the blue trail paint slashes that mark the way. Plans are underway to update the existing maps and kiosks to reflect the new trail.
A formal dedication ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. in the pavilion at South Camp, 20008 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale. The 30-minute ceremony will honor Purple Heart veterans, the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the volunteers who created the new trail.
As Veteran Day approaches, the public is invited to attend, thus fulfilling one prime purpose of the Military Order of the Purple Heart: never forget.
