Our Mission Statement: The River District Development Foundation of Merrill provides resources, initially through the creation and upkeep of the River Bend Trail, that encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and precious spaces of the city’s river corridors.
In the future with assistance from grants, donations, and partnerships we plan to:
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Complete fishing pier. We have approved the purchase order to complete the fencing along the sidewalk.
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Overlook should be completed this spring/summer 2021. Stamped concrete for the area and lighting will help complete the project.
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Continue to exploring trail growth to head south along Big Eddy to Center Road as the start of getting to Wausau.
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Work continues on getting easements along the rail road to get to Wausau. We have a draft agreement with WPS and are working with Lincoln and Marathon counties along with the DNR to develop plans for a trail between Merrill and Wausau. Planning will be a major effort in 2021 and 2022 with construction maybe 3-5 years out.
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Trail from the Lincoln Wood property to Council Grounds will follow sidewalk along Grand Ave to the MARC.
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The park area by Kyes St has been started and several features are started/complete. This is being planned and funded outside of the River District Development Foundation.
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The City Park and Rec has plans for connecting the Prairie River park to the River Bend trail in 2021.
