River Bend Trail – Continued Progress
Despite some delays in 2016, the River Bend Trail is continuing on the road to expansion. Future plans are in the works to extend the trail east along the Wisconsin River to Cooper Street and beyond. The River District Development Foundation has worked to raise money through donations and secured grants to make this possible in 2017. This board of directors consists of persistent, hard-working individuals who give of their time and talents to support the mission of the Foundation: 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.
Members of the board for 2017 are Gene Bebel, president, James Wedemeyer, vice-president, Shelley Hersil, secretary, and Jim Richardson, treasurer. Other Board members include Dr. Mark Crapster-Pregont, Dr. Steve Dahm, Mike Grunenwald, Larry Hampel, Debbe Kinsey, Jon Krohn, Art Lersch, Eric Malm, Brenda Mamer, Brenda Mueller, Tom Mueller, Sue Weith, Sarah Williams, Mike Willman, and Judy Woller. In addition to the board we also have a group of ex-officio members who are kept informed of all meetings and assist the board when needed. Our Friends of the River Bend Trail Group consists of community minded individuals who support the trail through fund raisers and work projects.
In the spring of 2017 the City of Merrill will be working on a Park Street project to include parking access for the trail, a cul-de-sac and an overlook where the original Park Street Bridge was located. Agra Construction will be reworking the pavilion at the trailhead and the Rotary Club of Merrill has donated funds to be used on landscaping a park across from the pavilion. Many donations by businesses and individuals have been received to make the trail possible and have provided lights, benches and other amenities for the trail. Support has been overwhelming. This is truly a community project that will benefit all residents of Merrill and the surrounding area. Use of the trail by walkers and bikers since the ribbon cutting in October of 2015 has increased substantially.
The trail can be accessed from the south end of Park Street on the east side of town, from Polk Street behind Weinbrenner or on West Main Street by the bridge on the west side. The Thrivent Way trail is a scenic walking loop off the paved section of the trail and features a historical marker and sign commemorating the flood of July 24, 1912. Other historical and informational signs are planned for the trail including a hobo camp marker and Merrill’s first cemetery marker. For more information about the trail, to make a donation or to become a friend of the trail contact the Merrill Chamber Office at 715-536-9474 or e-mail Sarah Williams, sarahj724@gmail.com, or Gene Bebel, kgb607@charter.net.