Auburn city leaders’ 60-year-old dream of connecting the community to nearby Grant Park with a trail should become a reality as soon as this summer. The second of three decorative steel trees was placed at the trailhead in town on Tuesday with the third slated for installation sometime this spring. Each tree is approximately 25 feet tall by 20 feet wide and were designed and assembled by Tanner King, a local welding artist. Councilwoman, Jane Barto, says Auburn has been working to build the trail for six decades, and she is excited to see the project nearing completion.
For people heading to the park on foot or by bicycle, the only route there is along busy Xavier Avenue and 360th Street. Barto says traveling in this way can be precarious, but that will no longer be an issue once the trail is finished. The first segment of the 1.5 mile connecting trail has already been paved with the remainder scheduled to be poured over the summer. While the main idea behind the trail is to safely connect Auburn and Grant Park, Barto says it is so much more than a simple walking or riding path.
The city is investing $750,000 into the project with about half coming from local donations and the other half from a variety of grants. Barto says residents have really pulled together to make this project a reality through many local fundraisers, community dinners and meetings.
Donations to the Grant Park Trail Project are still being accepted. Tax-deductible contributions can dropped off or mailed to Auburn City Hall, or by contacting Barto using the information included below.
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Auburn City Hall
209 Pine St.
Auburn, IA 51433
Jane Barto: 712-830-6783
