The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and City of West Branch want to revive the trails committee and update residents on grants available for trail projects.


A 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, meeting at City Hall will feature National Park Service’s David Thompson, who will bring a PowerPoint presentation and discuss the Community Trails Program and Safe Routes to School for Iowa, as well as grants.

NPS offers grants through the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program, Hoover Park Superintendent Cheryl Schreier said. And the state offers them through SRSI.

Thompson met last year with representatives of the city and park and Schreier said he drove around town and felt the city was a “good candidate” for RTCA and SRSI.

Iowa National Heritage Foundation Trails Coordinator Andrea Chase will also attend, Schreier said.

City Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Russell said she would like to see a trail that encompasses the city and another that leads over Interstate 80 to the industrial park.

“But first we need a comprehensive plan,” she said.

The state is planning to build a new I-80 bridge that will include a protected walkway.

Schreier and Russell said West Branch would be more competitive with a comprehensive plan and involvement in RTCA.

The city has the Hoover Nature Trail that runs north through town, and a Hoover Park trail runs from NPS property through the Weismann’s property to West Branch High School. Hoover Park has numerous trails in its core area and the prairie. The city also has a trail by Community State Bank.

Trails are included in the city’s 10-year capital improvement plan, but rely on grants to get done.

“I think there’s a lot of money for it out there,” Russell said.

Schreier said trails are “such an attractant” for people looking for a new place to live.



GETTING INVOLVED

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and City of West Branch will host an informational meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at City Hall to discuss trails programs and grants and try to revive the community trails committee.

For more information, you may contact Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Russell at 643-4212.