New emergency phone towers add safety to trail

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A popular trail that runs through Independence, Mo., just got safer.

City officials have installed three emergency phone towers on the Little Blue Trace Trail.

The towers are located near R.D. Mize Road and Necessary Roads Trail Head, 23rd Street and Fisher Road Trail Head. The third is at the Bundschu and Bly Roads Trail Head.

If there is an emergency, a push of the button on the call box connects the call to a 9-1-1 dispatcher. The call can’t be terminated, unless it’s by the operator.

Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor Jeff Umbreit said that it’s an extra precaution for people who may have an accident while riding or need immediate help.

Additionally, the towers operate on solar power, so they will always be serviceable.

The new towers are funded through the Social Innovation for Missouri grant as part of the Building a Healthier Independence Initiative.