July Trails Talk
2021 PROJECT UPDATE
The 2021 trail construction season is well under way with four projects currently in development.
Highway 71 Trail: Paving of this extension from Nature Center Road going north to 34th Street in Spirit Lake is nearly complete. The trail provides improved safety and access to the Spirit Lake Trail at a controlled intersection.
Edgewood Drive Trail: Construction of this segment near Gull Point State Park started in May in conjunction with the Edgewood Drive street and water main project. The trail grade is ready and paving will begin soon after Edgewood Drive is paved. This trail offers improved safety and access to the trails system for residents and campers in the area.
Tatanka Ska Trailhead: Work on the trailhead continues with concrete placement in the parking lot and sidewalks around the structure. The contractor will soon begin erecting the steel components and canopy that are due to arrive in early August.
Tatanka Ska Trace: Construction has started on the next segment of the rail trail. The project will extend the trail another 1.2 miles from Highway 86 to the town of Montgomery.
In addition to the above projects, the DCTB is also planning to connect the West Okoboji Trail to Tatanka Ska Trace starting at the West Okoboji Harbor tunnel and going north to where it joins the rail trail near the Highway 86 crossing. We will set a bid letting date as soon as we get approval from the Iowa DOT and hope to get the trail started yet this fall. Along with donations to the DCTB development fund, the 2021 trail construction plan is supported by over $1.5 million in foundation and recreational trail grants. The additions will provide for a safer and more connected trail system.
2021 SUMMER FUNDRAISER &
JULY CHALLENGE
The 2021 “Bikes – Brews – Bites” trails celebration held on July 17 was a big success and the DCTB extends our gratitude to all who supported the event through attendance, donations and sponsorships. We are still accepting contributions to the summer fundraiser and there are just a few days left to help the Dickinson County Trails win the Okoboji Foundation’s $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge. You may give directly to the trails or send your donation through www.GiveOkoboji.com until July 31, 2021.
UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS
SPORTSMAN’S 7th ANNUAL TIKI RIDE: Saturday, August 7 – Riders of all ages can enjoy 16, 24 and 40-mile routes with prizes and games along the way. The ride includes a shirt, gift bag and lunch at Sportsman’s with live entertainment during lunch and after the ride. There will be many prizes, games and fun surprises along the route and riders will receive a raffle entry at each of the sponsored stops. Proceeds from the ride will support Dickinson County Trails. More information on the ride and registration is available at Sportsman’s Facebook site www.facebook.com/events .
30th ANNUAL U OF O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE: Registration is now open for this year’s Oktoberfest ride that will be held Saturday, September 25. Enjoy this fun bike ride along the scenic trails and lakeside roads of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. Proceeds from the ride benefit Dickinson County Trails and registration includes food and drink deals throughout the area, drink tickets and a long sleeve t-shirt. There are optional pit stops along the route and then return to the Arnolds Park greenspace for additional games, activities, live entertainment, food and beer. For registration and event information visit www.uofooktoberfest.com.
The DCTB would also like to thank the Okoboji Cycling Classic Foundation for their donation of $2,000 from the U of O Campus Ride that was held in June. We appreciate the promotion and support of the trails along with all of the effort it takes to put on these organized rides.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, Executive Director