Thursday, November 22, 2012

A project under way in Pittsburg is being called a win-win-win for area students, local residents and hundreds of cross-country bicyclists who pass through the southeast Kansas community.

The Joplin Globe reports that Pittsburg is a regular stop each spring and summer for riders on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, which stretches from Oregon to Virginia.

There's no designated campsite or shower space for the riders, so they usually pitch tents in Pittsburg's Lincoln park.

Now, students from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg High School and Fort Scott Community College are building a combined shower-restroom and a pavilion for the bicyclists at another city park. There's also space for camping.

The students come from construction management and masonry programs. The project will also give Pittsburg new amenities built for free.