Fundraising to repave the Sauk Rail Trail between Swan Lake State Park and Maple River got a big boost from a recent raffle that generated $32,280 for the project, easily surpassing a goal of $25,000. In addition, an anonymous donor pledged to match up to $25,000 of the amount raised.
More than 100 trail enthusiasts attended a raffle party on Thursday, July 14, at Kerp’s, where results were announced.
~~~
The raffle funds will be added to the $900,000 from a COVID Relief Recreation Trail grant and $100,000 each from Carroll County and the City of Carroll.
Plans are to resurface the tail between Swan Lake and Maple River from its original asphalt to concrete.
Carroll County Conservation Director Jason Christensen said the plan is to bid the project this summer and have the construction done by at least spring of 2023.
Established in stages, the popular trail has served well for over 30 years and with this final project will continue to serve the county into the future, organizers of the fundraiser said. The rest of the trail between Maple River and Lake View is concrete.
Pat Bass of Carroll, a frequent bicyclist who helped sell raffle tickets at the event, said, “I can’t say enough about our trail. I just think we’re so fortunate to have that here, and it’s going to be so much nicer (after repaving). I love it.”