PERRY, Iowa —Some Perry residents are pushing for an expanded recreational trails system that would connect the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the popular High Trestle Trail, but officials say the proposed 9-mile bike trail would cost $5 million to construct.
“If we can do it in under five years, that would be phenomenal,” said Bob Wilson, a member of the Perry Chamber of Commerce. “The sooner, the better. It’s going to have a huge impact on the region.”
To raise funds, Perry resident Cheri Scheib proposed building a 15-foot-tall bike sculpture to raise awareness.“There will be a big sign that is kind of like a thermometer, and it will kind of tell our progress,” said Scheib, who started the idea from tires she found at a recycling center and piping from an old Hy-Vee. “All of my parts mainly came from Iowa. We wanted this to speak of Iowa.”
City leaders say the regional trail connection would be a major economic boost for the community.