The Natural Resource Commission of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources approved Resource Enhancement and Protection grants to 22 cities, including Keosauqua, for use in parks and open spaces during its October meeting.
The projects were awarded nearly $2.4 million. There were 53 applications for the grants.
The REAP City Parks and Open Space competitive grants help cities establish natural areas, encouraging outdoor recreation and resource management. Cities were separated into three categories: population under 2,000, population 2,000 – 25,000 and population over 25,000.
...
Cities with populations under 2000
Dallas Center, Dallas Center Depot Trailhead, $75,000 - This project is expanding on the impact of previous REAP awards, by providing a trailhead with multiuse covered shelter space in conjunction with restrooms. The restrooms will serve the expanding regional cycling community as well as local citizens. The shelter house will be available for use by a multitude of community and cycling events.
· Keosauqua, Keosauqua Loop to Loop Trail, $75,000 - This project will build the Loop to Loop Trail which is a quarter mile multi-use trail is needed as a safe connection along a busy roadway between the future Sunset Loop Trail and the existing Keosauqua Loop and Riverfront Trails.
· Manning, Trestle Park Trail, $29,184 - This project will construct 2,700 feet of concrete trail from Third Street (near downtown), along the West Nishnabotna River and end at the new Trestle Park. Trestle Park will feature an area for children, but primarily focuses on young adults with horseshoes, volleyball, outdoor exercise equipment, shelter house and more. Regional plans are also being developed and this segment would serve as part of the path through Manning when regional trails are developed.
Cities with population from 2,000 to 25,000
Anamosa, Wapsipinicon Trail – Anamosa portion, $100,000 - The Wapsipinicon Trail will provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle route for residents and visitors between Anamosa and Wapsipinicon State Park. The total trail will be approximately one mile that will run parallel to Shaw Road from Anamosa to the historic Hale Bridge in Wapsipinicon State Park as part of the larger “Crossing the Wapsi” initiative in the Grant Wood Loop Parks to People Master Plan. This application covers the City of Anamosa’s 1,340 feet portion.
· Fort Madison, Connecting Fort Madison! Phase 2 Middle School Connector, $125,000 - This project will be Phase II of the three phase Connecting Fort Madison! trail project being organized by the City of Fort Madison and the local trails group Promoting Outdoor Recreational Trails (PORT) of Fort Madison. Phase 2 of the project will connect the trail built during Phase 1 of the project with 48th Street and the Fort Madison Middle School via an approximately 2,750 foot long concrete multi-use path.
· New Hampton, Garnant Park to Mikkelson Park Multi-Use Path, $75,000 - The proposed project will connect Garnant Park and Mikkelson Park with a multi-use path for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized uses. The path will connect the two parks, a beach area, a campground, a public pool, and adjacent residential neighborhoods using a combination of paved trail segments and on-road accommodations. This project is a segment of a larger planning effort to develop a cross-city trail to connect to the High School and Chickasaw Wellness Center.
...
Washington, Kewash Nature Trail – Willow Pond Trail Extension, $100,000 - The KeWash Nature Trail is a walking/biking trail that spans 14 miles from Washington to Keota. 1,000 feet west of Hwy. 1 in Washington, the Project will construct a 1,900 foot trail extension around Willow Pond, and north to Lexington Blvd. The project takes place on Washington County property. It adds significantly to Kewash Nature Trail access to Willow Pond fishing hole and natural area, and also connects to new Veterans Memorial, Kirkwood Community College facility, County social service offices, and an affordable housing complex.
...
Cities larger than 25,000
· Des Moines, Des Moines River Trail Phase 2, $300,000 - This 2.3 mile project presents an opportunity to complete a vital missing link within the city and gain substantial progress towards a significant regional connection. It has strong support from government, citizens and business community proven by its place in regional plans, results of our annual trail count and survey and support letters. The benefits Phase 2 will bring to local and regional citizens are broad, encompassing transportation, health, wellness, recreation, economics and beyond.
...
· Ankeny, High Trestle Trail Extension – SW Ordnance Road to SE Magazine, $200,000 - Extend the High Trestle Trail 0.56 mile from its current terminus at SW Ordnance Road to SE Magazine. This project includes the construction of 10 foot wide recreation trail along abandoned railroad line, similar to the previous segments of the trail. The proposed segment will include crossing Ankeny Boulevard and will terminate at SE Magazine, where it will connect with existing 8 foot community trail.
See the rest of the grant recipients...