MacLennan Park
When they built their home on the western edge of Topeka in 1928, Frank
and Madge MacLennan chose a 244-acre site overlooking the winding Kansas
River. The woodlands, wide-open meadows and natural setting made a spectacular
backdrop for native Kansas birds and animals. They called their home
Cedar Crest because of the many cedar trees on the property.
In bequeathing their estate to the State of Kansas in 1955, Madge MacLennan saw an opportunity to fulfill the couple's desires to recognize their state and city in a material way for the benefits which they had enjoyed on a daily basis. Mrs. MacLennan specified that the property, excluding 20 acres immediately adjacent to the home, be used as a forest park, to be called MacLennan Park, which would be available for use by the public.
With direction from Governor Mike Hayden the MacLennan Park Development Committee was organized in 1987. The committee raised private funds and, utilizing the planning expertise of the Kansas State University Department of Forestry, established a Master Plan for development of the 224-acre, private park.
The park features an interpretive nature trail, native wildlife, native prairie plantings, wildflower plantings, three fishing ponds, an ice skating pond and jogging/bike trails. The park is open to the public daily from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Sections of the park may be reserved for special activities by calling 785/296-3636.