This article first appeared in INHF's Summer 2008 magazine.
By Stacie Bendixen
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When complete, this 13-story, half-mile-long bridge will be the trail’s showpiece. It will be built on the tall piers, remnants of a railroad bridge that crossed the Des Moines River between Woodward and Madrid. Designed by Iowa artist David Dahlquist with a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, the bridge links form, function and funkiness. |
Imagine standing on an artistic masterpiece 13 stories in the air and gazing over a broad, green river valley below.
Imagine exploring Iowa’s natural landscapes and vibrant communities on a peaceful trail that conveniently ends back where you started.
The Ankeny to Woodward Trail, a grand link in a visionary trail network, will help make those dreams a reality. Some trail sections are already open to the public. If the last 7% of funding is raised in time, the entire 25-mile corridor—including its world-class bridge—will be ready to ride in 2010. See map.
The dazzle factor
The trail’s focal point, an architectural icon, will showcase Iowa beauty. This 130-foot-tall bridge will take travelers over the Des Moines River, treating them to stunning views of its wide valley. Topping a half-mile in length, it is estimated to be the fifth-longest pedestrian bridge in the world. But it is designed to have minimal visual impact on the landscape when viewed from a distance, so it won’t detract from the valley’s natural beauty.
The bridge will be a life-sized sculpture that trail users enter and experience. Six overlook balconies will provide opportunities to step off the path and enjoy the spectacular view. After dark on special occasions, energy-efficient lighting will illuminate the bridge and its original railroad piers, creating a dazzling nighttime display.
Round trips
A destination in its own right, this 25-mile trail provides crucial links within the larger Central Iowa Trail Network.
The A-W Trail already connects with the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Future links include planned bike lanes to Ames (on R38 and rural county roads) and a parallel equestrian path between Woodward and Slater, which will connect with the Heart of Iowa equestrian trail. The A-W Trail also fills key gaps in two proposed trail loops, each extending more than 100 miles on either side of the Des Moines metro.
In the future, people will be able to hop on at any trailhead, cruise more than 100 miles (over an afternoon or an extended vacation) and then circle back to their starting place without passing the same tree twice. Shorter loops within the large loops will appeal to people of all abilities and schedules. Completion of this visionary trail network would be impossible without the Ankeny to Woodward segment.
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Concept drawings show two of six overlooks where trail users can admire the stunning valley views (above left). Sculptural features (above right) will provide another unique visual experience. |
Full steam ahead
Cooperation and successful competition for 20 public grants have moved the project along at a remarkably fast pace. In 2005, Union Pacific Railroad sold the 25-mile corridor to INHF at a bargain price, constituting the project’s first major donation. INHF later transferred ownership to the four counties (Boone, Dallas, Polk and Story) and five towns (Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl and Ankeny) along the route. INHF has continued to act as a unifying force in the project.
“When you see 10 organizations working passionately together for a common goal, it helps funders and the public recognize the power of the project,” said Pat Boddy, Polk County Conservation Board Director.
In 2007, construction at each of the trail’s “bookends” was completed. The trail between Ankeny and Madrid will be ready in time for users to enjoy this year’s fall colors.
“It is very seldom that 19 miles of trail are constructed in one season in Iowa,” said Lisa Hein, INHF Program and Planning Director. “This project has progressed at light speed because of the 2005 federal appropriation, the strong steering committee, support from communities and state grants such as REAP, the State Recreational Trails Fund and Regional Enhancement Grants.” Grants from Vision Iowa and the Wellmark Foundation, which has made the largest private donation to date, have also paved the way.
Help us cross the last bridge!
The final million dollars must be raised by July 2009 for the entire trail to be completed in 2010.
About half of that must be pledged or given by Nov. 6, 2008, to meet conditions of the project’s Vision Iowa grant. If that goal is met, construction of the landmark bridge can begin this winter.
You can help. Donate to the A-W Trail by mail, online at www.inhf.org/a2wtrail.htm or by calling 800-475-1846 with your credit card.
• Gifts & pledges today will help meet the Vision Iowa deadline.
• Donors who give $1,000 or more can choose to be recognized on trailhead signs in all five towns
• Thanks to our members who already gave support for this trail!
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Benefits galore
The A-W Trail can improve central Iowa’s personal, community and regional wellness.
The entire trail—particularly its landmark bridge—will draw visitors from across Iowa and beyond, providing an economic boost. It will offer exercise options for people of all ages and abilities—walking, running, bicycling and skating.
The trail’s many benefits will improve overall quality of life for the one million people who live within an hour of it. By making surrounding communities more livable places, the trail will help attract and retain good workers, leaders and businesses in central Iowa. That makes it an attractive investment for corporations.
The trail will also advance INHF’s ultimate goal: connecting people to nature.
“People are less and less connected to nature,” said Anita O’Gara, INHF Vice President and Director of Development. “Trails are an exceedingly popular way to be out in nature. The Ankeny-Woodward trail will provide a great place for all kinds of people to appreciate the landscape and be exposed to Iowa’s natural heritage.”
The final stretch
The A-W trail is a critical step toward making central Iowa the trails capital of the Midwest. From the majestic bridge to the shady peace of a wooded path, inspiration waits around each bend. Learn more.
But the journey’s not over. Most of the trail’s funding has been raised from competitive federal and state grants. In order to complete the trail in 2010, we must raise $1 million by mid-2009, half of it by this fall. We need your help to achieve the dream of making central Iowa an even better place to live.
Great links
Project history links
Stacie Bendixen is a senior writing major at Drake University and an INHF Buckmaster intern. For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Communications Director, or call (515) 288-1846.
