Nora Springs opens fundraising for Mill Pond Pedestrian Bridge

Parks and Recreation begins grant application processes

To the Press

The Parks and Recreation Board of Nora Springs is actively applying for state, county and local grants to build a pedestrian bridge. The bridge will span the Shell Rock River dam and Mill Pond rock berm, connecting Shell Rock River City Park with Old Mill Pond City Park. The 360-feet steel truss bridge will feature a center lookout platform, and full accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Concrete walking trails will connect the bridge to the parking areas on both sides of the river. The bridge components will be maintenance free for years of sustainable use.

The bridge and trails will connect the southwest part of town with the rest of town. Students living in this area will have a shorter and safer walking or biking route to school, avoiding traffic along Highway 122. Connecting the two parks will provide community members and visitors greater access to safe walking routes and fishing areas, increasing visibility, accessibility and usage for both parks.

The Adams Family Foundation generously provided for the feasibility study and initial soil testing in 2014 and 2015. Iowa REAP granted $75,000 towards this project in 2015. Funds totaling $1.5 million are being sought. Corporate and private donations are encouraged. Donors of $100 and more will be listed on a recognition feature that will be integrated in the bridge design.

For more information please contact Emily Dykstra, Parks Board chairperson at egdykstra@gmail.com.