It's been over a year since Ankeny resident and bicycle enthusiast Gregary "Wade" Franck was killed doing what he loved.

In August last year, Franck was cycling on Grand Avenue in Des Moines as part of the Urban Assault Ride when a drunken driver hit and killed him.

A jury found the driver,Jonathan Leyva Rodriguez, guilty of vehicular manslaughter in May. He wassentenced to a maximum of 34 years in prison.

Since his death, his parents,Greg and Jan Franck, said they've received donations in honor of Franck.

Now, they hope to use that money to better the biking community and Ankeny by helping fund a bike hub for the Ankeny Market Pavilion project at715 W. 1stSt.

"It’s on the HighTrestle Trail and that was one of Wade’s favorite trails," Jan Franck said."We knew he’d be proud to have something associated with that gorgeous trail."

The hub, known as the "Wade Franck Memorial Plaza,"will include bathrooms, bike racks, a bike maintenance station, seating, a drinking fountain, a shaded area, safety and riding tips, and a map of central Iowa trails.

The plaza will cost about $100,000. The Franck's plan on matching up to $25,000 in donations for the hub until November.

"It’s the most fitting memorial we could think of for our son," said Greg Franck.

Read more...