Emporia State’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC) will soon begin work on its “Shoreline Haven,” a project that aims to make King Lake more accessible to all Emporia residents.
According to PAROC Research Director Rachel Bowes, the initiative will start with two phases. The first will pave a sidewalk along the eastern shore of King Lake and add a fishing dock that extends a third of the way into the lake. The second phase will extend the dock into a boardwalk that will complete the diameter of the lake, connecting to the opposite shoreline.
The new sidewalk will replace the existing trail along the eastern shoreline and will require the removal of some trees. Bowes said that the sidewalk and dock will make access to fishing in King Lake more accessible.
“So not only is (King Lake) open to like, students…that want to use it to go fishing or recreation in general, but it’s open to everybody in the community,” she said.
The sidewalk and fishing dock will cost roughly $320,000, and PAROC has secured the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Recreational Trails Grant for 2025 that will cover the majority of the cost. Construction bids have closed for phase 1 of the project, and Bowes estimates that it will be completed either this spring or summer.
Phase 2 of the project, which will extend the fishing dock into a 900-foot boardwalk across the entire lake, is dependent on whether or not PAROC receives the KSWP grant again for 2026. If they do not, they will keep the fishing dock as is. The estimated cost to complete the boardwalk is just under $600,000. If the plan comes to fruition, construction will begin in 2027.
Bowes emphasized that the purpose of the Shoreline Haven is to make King Lake accessible to everyone who would like to use it.
“We wanted to create a place where someone in a wheelchair or with mobility issues would be able to still access fishing and also, like, be on the water,” explained Bowes. “So, if you’re not capable of being in a kayak or canoe or like, (get) down to the water, we wanted to create this space that anybody could enjoy.”
She noted that the improvements will also benefit research for ESU students and faculty by making access to the lake safer and easier.
Bowes also mentioned a few other plans that PAROC has for improving the area to attract more visitors. They plan on adding a sandy beach area to the western corner of the lake, a waterfall area that will go into what is currently a ditch, a gazebo, a playground and a fountain. Many of these features will serve dual purposes that benefit the environment; For example, the beach will provide a habitat for fish to lay their eggs.
“So the bigger vision for King Lake and that kind of whole PAROC area is to make this really welcoming space for students and the public,” Bowes said. “So like to connect us to the community.”
