(Merrill) — The two sides of the proposed Ply-wood Recreational Trail were exhibited Thursday evening at the information meeting held at the Merrill city council chambers. More than 50 people had filled the small room, with probably one-third of the gathering in favor of the trail, and two-thirds of the crowd had
questions and showed resistance to the proposed trail. Greg Grupp serves as a spokesperson for the Ply-wood Trail Association. He indicated to the gathering that everyone’s comments and input are welcomed, and that organizers are at the very start of the trail development.
Grupp emphasized to the group that the proposed trail would be safer for bicyclists than currently riding on the county roads. He also mentioned how the trail would provide people and the region, with a component that would provide a
better quality of life.
Several people had expressed concern about having the proposed trail run parallel with Highway 75, and be a part of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Right-of-Way. Many cited safety as their main reason for concern. Some within the
group had suggested finding an alternative route, instead of following the four-lane highway.
County supervisor Craig Anderson was one of three supervisors that attended the meeting. Anderson asked the question of the difference between what the county wants and what the county needs. Anderson says he is concerned about the cost of
constructing the trail, as well as the cost to maintain the trail.
Anderson questions whether there will be enough money in the endowment fund to adequately maintain and to sustain the proposed trail. He says regardless of the final estimate for the cost of the trail, it will mean a lot of money. He wonders if the money would be better utilized else where.
Anderson says he has heard from many people on both sides of the issue, but he admits that more people who have questions about the trail have contacted him, as opposed to those that favor the trail.
Jeff Schugg is an engineer with McClure Engineering, the firm hired to study and design the proposed trail. He says a recreational trail needs to be safe, as well as feasible and cost effective. McClure Engineering is just beginning its research and analysis for a proposed trail. Schugg informed the gathering he
believes the Ply-wood trail could possibly become a popular destination trail.
Schugg has helped designed many trails located in central and eastern Iowa. He informed the crowd how studies performed at recreational trails in other regions of the state have helped with the local community’s economic development.
