(Lake Park)– The final segment of a recreational trail connecting Spirit Lake with Lake Park is officially complete and is now open. Erin Reed of Dickinson County Trails says this portion of what’s known as the Tatanka Ska Trace Trail represents years of planning and construction…
“The Trails Association started talking about this back in the ’90’s. When we got the board going we started talking about purchasing the railroad in 2006 or ‘7, went through that whole process with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, several grants through the D.O.T Fed Rec Trails and State Fed Rec Trails programs and just kept moving forward and building. It seemed like forever but it’s also hard to believe, here we are already.”
Reed says they’ll be celebrating with a gathering and ribbon cutting Monday in Lake Park at 9:00 am…
“We’ll be meeting downtown by Rise and Grind Bakery and we’ll have coffee and some treats, just kind of a social gathering right there. And then we’ll head on over to east of the CFE elevator, kind of where the trees line, kind of the gateway to the trail heading toward Spirit Lake, and we’ll have a ribbon cutting there and a little celebration and then the ride, it’s just a casual, leisurely ride on your own to Spirit Lake and back, you can choose your route, how much you want to do, and just enjoy the trail and a chance to enjoy this new connection.”
Reed adds the trail is an easy ride and offers a number of vistas…
“What’s so great about a rail trail is that it’s nice and flat, few interruptions, and just beautiful views. You’re elevated quite a few areas and you cross a couple of the rivers and yeah, just different vistas to enjoy between farm fields and rolling hills, prairie and wetlands and areas that are lined with trees and it’s just a gorgeous trail and it’s a dream to ride on.”
And even though summer may be waning, Reed says the fall months are especially ideal for riding and walking the trails.
