NEW NAME Ankeny to Woodward Trail has a New Name and Logo June 2009

Officials announce that the trail from Ankeny to Woodward will be named the High Trestle Trail. The name and logo will honor the original trestle bridge and highlight the contemporary architecture. There is also a tagline, 'discover a new view' which is meant to excite people about the trail and all the scenery you will experience while on it and the 13-story half mile bridge that overlooks the Des Moines River Valley.

The name and logo were approved recently by a partnership that has been fundraising and active in the trail's development. The group consists of five cities, four counties and the Iowa National Heritage Foundation.

The final three-mile segment has been scheduled for a fall of 2010 completion according to a press release. Work on the trail's bridge over the Des Moines River and final segments will begin soon thanks to a public fundraising campaign and recent construction bid approvals.

This project started in 2003 and partners have raised about 14.7 million in public and private money including 20 public grants, three special appropriations and funding from 800 private donors.

Fundraising is still taking place for related projects including trailheads, signage, and historic restorations.

The Ankeny to Sheldal segment, which is 20 miles, and Slater to Madrid have already been open to the public. There is also a connection to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater.

The Ankeny to Woodward Trail, when completed, will span 25 miles, including the ½ mile, 13-story tall Des Moines River Valley Trail bridge with its dramatic vistas, series of overlooks, and an art immersion experience – reflective of the area’s coal mining history.

Trail Section Opens (October 5, 2008)

The trail initially connects the five cities of Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, and Woodward through the 4 counties of Polk, Story, Boone, and Dallas.

Private donations are being accepted through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to complete this project! If you are interested in making a donation or pledge, please fill out the donation form and return it to the address provided at the bottom of the form, or go to www.inhf.org/donatenow.htm and donate directly online, by phone, or by mail through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

The project steering committee is comprised of representatives from Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl, Ankeny, Boone County, Dallas County, Polk County, Story County and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Construction of the paved trail will include trailheads, amenities, interpretive sites, and the incorporation of public art. A very unique aspect of this trail will be the ½ mile long, 13-story high bridge that will cross the Des Moines River. (more)
The proposed construction schedule is:

• 2008 - Trail paving between Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid
• 2009 - Des Moines River Bridge construction
• 2010 – Trail surfacing and bridge completed
• 2011 – Trailhead construction, continued corridor and community improvement projects

Public trail use is intended for pedestrians, bicyclists, nature enthusiasts, and cross-country skiers. Equestrian riders will be allowed to use the trail between Woodward & Slater. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. The east/west portion of the trail bed is wider than the north/south portion because 2 sets of railroad tracks ran through that segment of the corridor, thus, the room to accommodate both the hard surface trail and an unpaved trail for equestrians.
Several sources of funding are being used to complete the trail and they include:

• Federal SAFETEA-LU funding
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Transportation Enhancement Program
• State Recreational Trails Program
• REAP
• Vision Iowa
• The Wellmark Foundation
• Prairie Meadows
• Private donations