October Trails Talk
TRAIL BENCH PROGRAM GROWS
Stan Lemkuil enjoys his bench placed along 155th Street
Several new trail benches are being placed around the trails system this fall. Four benches were set in early September and another six will be installed in the next couple weeks. Every bench has a special story so DCTB will be featuring them through Trails Talk to celebrate and share the stories of families and friends that are being honored through a bench donation.
In Honor of Service
Stan and Colleen Lemkuil have lived in the Landings at the West Okoboji Harbor for nearly twenty years. They both enjoy using the Iowa Great Lakes trails so Colleen chose to place a bench for Stan on the new trail along 155th Street. Stan volunteered with SALT (sheriff’s bike patrol) for 18 years and the bench honors his service to the trail community. Due to Parkinson’s, Stan had to retire from his volunteer work but he still enjoys riding his bike and now has a special spot with a view to the harbor to relax on his ride. Stan says, “Thank you Yvonne Taylor and Erin Reed for getting this done this summer. We have enjoyed the trail and the new bench.” DCTB thanks Stan for his many years of service watching over the trails.
There are many new trail segments that have open space for benches and DCTB continues to replace old wood benches that are beyond repair due to maintenance and safety concerns. The bench program is a fundraiser for the trails and offers the opportunity for people to remember family and friends along with providing the trails with rest areas. If you are interested in replacing or getting a new bench to honor someone in your life, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com/donate for more information and the Bench Program form.
DCTB SECURES GRANTS FOR TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
opens IMAGE file Future Site of Tatanka Ska Trace – Phase III( c )
In September, DCTB was awarded a State Recreational Trails grant for another phase of Tatanka Ska Trace. The grant for $176,522 will help provide funding for a 1.15-mile segment of trail that starts at the north harbor tunnel by Cutty’s Resort, then heads north to join Tatanka Ska Trace. Another grant for the project was awarded in October from the Iowa DNR REAP program in the amount of $75,000. Grant awards totaling $251,522 and additional funding provided in partnership with Imagine Iowa Great Lakes will make this connection possible next summer. The Trails Board looks forward to continuing the development of the rail trail and creating this key connection between the West Okoboji Trail and Tatanka Ska Trace that will provide for nearly 40 miles of contiguous trail around the Iowa Great Lakes.
2020 DCTB & HOPE ROLLS FUNDRAISER
DCTB Executive Director Erin Reed presents Maria Mellmann from Hope Rolls with a check for $2,670 from the shared proceeds of their summer fundraiser. The money raised will facilitate the purchase of three custom tricycles for local children with special abilities. The DCTB is excited to work with this great organization and support biking opportunities for these children and their families. Please visit Hope Rolls’ Facebook page to find more information on what they do and how to support their mission.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director