Chichaqua Valley Trail Extension Recieves State Recreation Trails Funding

Posted: 12/12/2011
Polk / Chichaqua Valley Trail

Polk County Conservation Board was recently awarded $753,750 through the State Recreational Trails Program for the Chichaqua Valley Trail Connector project. This 5.5 mile trail connection follows an abandoned Union Pacific railroad that spans between Bondurant and Berwick. Grant dollars will be used to acquire the former rail line corridor. Additional funding for construction on this 10’ paved multi-use trail will be sought after in the coming years.

The west end of the new extension will intersect with the Gay Lea Wilson Trail in the town of Berwick at Mally’s Park. The east end of the trail will connect with the town of Bondurant and tie-in to the existing Chichaqua Valley Trail which ends at Baxter in Jasper County.

The trail will effectively serve the needs of recreation enthusiasts who enjoy non-motorized activities such as bicycling, rollerblading, walking, jogging, and nature viewing. This trail will link other existing and planned regional trails, such as Des Moines’ and Ankeny’s Gay Lea Wilson Trails, the Neal Smith Trail, and the High Trestle Trail. All of these projects have either been completed or are in progress.
 
If you are interested in lending volunteer and/or financial support towards this project, please contact Kami Rankin at kami.rankin@polkcountyiowa.gov or (515) 323-5363.