In 2001, when Dorothy Iliff and her husband, Dr. Douglas Iliff, decided to buy the property now known as Iliff Commons, it was 75 acres of overgrown prairie. “Thistle, cedar, and honey locust trees had overtaken the land,” Dorothy recalled. “We knew it was beautiful, but it was going to require some serious work.”
With vision, determination, and countless hours of labor, the Iliffs transformed the land into a welcoming haven for the community. “We wanted to create a place where people can feel safe, get exercise, and share the beauty of creation,” Dorothy explained.
The couple began by clearing the top walking trail. They plotted a course, mowed it, turned the trees they cut down into wood-chip paths, and planted thousands of wildflowers. Slowly but surely, armed with brush mowers and chainsaws, they transformed the wilderness into a park-like retreat.
Once the top trail was tamed, they turned their focus to the hill trail. This area was especially close to Dr. Iliff’s heart. A cross-country runner in high school, he envisioned a place where runners could practice on rugged paths with steep hills. He remembered his high school training and knew one of the big advantages was the opportunity they were given to run in hilly areas. In fact, the trailheads are named after his teammates at Shawnee Mission East (they won the cross-country state championship in 1966 and 1967).
The hill trail remains a rigorous course, with an elevation gain of 110 feet per mile. Markers every 400 meters make it ideal for interval and hill workouts. “We followed the deer paths and created a true cross-country experience through the woods,” Dr. Iliff said. For 17 years, the Iliffs also sponsored the Kansas State Games each July, hosting runners of all ages on their challenging 5K course.
You don’t have to be a runner to appreciate The Commons. Visitors can enjoy a pond, swing on a tire swing, share lunch on picnic tables, and even explore a three-level treehouse. Dorothy is a retired schoolteacher, and her love for children and feeding their imaginations is evident throughout the property. Little ones will be tickled by funny faces on the trees, delighted by the discovery of tiny elves along the trails, and surprised to see a black bear perched high on a trunk.
In true teacher style, Dorothy encouraged her students to incorporate some history into The Commons. In 2006, one of her students was looking for an Eagle Scout project, so Scouts from Oakland United Methodist Church built a replica of the original cabin where the Topeka Charter was signed in 1854. Visitors can sit down inside and learn about the history of Topeka while taking a break from exploring the great outdoors.
Iliff Commons has become more than just a park. It’s a community gathering place. “We have morning visitors, evening visitors, individuals, families, photographers, runners, and of course, our four-legged friends,” Dorothy shared. What began as a walking trail has also become a beloved off-leash dog park. “It wasn’t our intention to create this doggie paradise,” she laughed. “But the dogs love it as much as the humans…maybe more.”
Looking back, Dorothy reflected on how far the property has come: “It has really become a wonderful community. We never would have imagined this place twenty-some years ago. We love what it has become, and we are glad to share it.”
Dr. Douglas and Dorothy Iliff invite you to explore Iliff Commons. The entrance is located just off of K4 highway about 50 feet east of the intersection of NE Kincaid and NE 31st, on the south side of the road.
Hiking Tips
Hydrate - carry a water bottle
Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots
Dress in layers
Stay on the trails
Bring an extra battery for your phone
Hike with a buddy (If hiking alone, always let someone know where you plan to go).
Bring snacks
Editor’s Special Blend Fall Trail Mix
Popcorn, cashews, peanuts, almonds, M&Ms, raisins
Packed with protein for your muscles and just a touch of candy for your taste buds, this trail mix is the perfect mix of sweet and salty sustenance!
Backpack Provided by: Einstein’s Outdoor Outfitters
20-liter backpack by Fox Outdoor Products (color Coyote)