2019
ANNUAL
REPORT
Linn County Trails ASSOCIATION
Trail Connections
A newsletter published by the Linn County Trails Association
February 2020
WE MAKE Linn County Trails ASSOCIATION
TRAILS
HAPPEN.
Photo by Michelle Steele — Pleasant Creek Cover photo by Ben Kaplan Photo — Indian Creek Nature Center Back page photo by Staci Schlitz — Squaw Creek Park
LCTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
Kevin Kirchner | President
Dean Barnum
Kyle Lundberg
Phillip Platz | Vice-President
Dave Dechant
Dick Mundy
Nick Jorgensen | Treasurer
Vicky Evans
Larry Scott
Brad Mullin | Secretary
Paul Fiegen
Keith Sutherland
Tom Peffer | Past-President
Jim Fraise
John Wauer
Diane Handler
Dick Woodward
Steve Hershner
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Ron Griffith
Brandon Whyte
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Brent Neighbor
Michelle Barker
Ron McGraw
Dennis Goemaat
Curt Eilers
Esther Wilson
Kesha Billings
Ed Holstrom
Mike Wilson
Board meetings are on the second Monday of every month (except July and December) at the City of Cedar Rapids Water Administration Building (1111 Shaver Road NE). All board meetings are open to the public.
HAPPY TRAILS! Greetings everyone, The winter months in Iowa are a perfect time to reflect back on the prior year and thank everyone for their generous financial support.
2019 Expenses (e) & Income (i)
The trail movement in Linn County is as strong as ever — and gaining momentum! There are many trail projects in the planning phase, but from an excitement standpoint, many are also in the midst
$13,329 $45,000
$13,613
of construction. With an emphasis on connectivity, trails are bringing Linn County communities together, opening up recreational opportunities to more
$45,905
residents, and providing better commuting options for area bikers. Our annual report highlights some of the projects that Linn County Trails Association was directly involved in last year. Your generous donation to
Grants Distributed (e) Operating Expenses (e) Gifts for Trail Development (i) Member Support (i)
LCTA provided the resources for our organization to assist with these projects. Your support shows there is an active coalition of trail supporters, critical to achieve continued funding for and development of a connected system of trails in Linn County.
2019 Year-End Balances Operations........................$14,981 Trail Development............$59,869
As President of LCTA, I would like to personally thank each of you for your donation. You are directly responsible for “Making Trails Happen.” With a successful 2019 behind us, we look forward to new trail opportunities in 2020. Thank you for your support and please continue your support as we ride, stomp, and roll our way through 2020. Sincerely,
Kevin Kirchner President, LCTA
Photo by Sherry Petersen — Cedar Lake
THANK YOU! Rick & Linden Aerts Allan Alcock Nancy & Brice Anton-Jensen Daniel & Marianne Arndorfer LeAnn Arnold Jeff Bales Margo Ballou Fred & Ruth Balster Dale Bappe Sarah Barber Michael Barkalow Chuck & Jan Barnes Greg & Teresa Barnett Dean & Janice Barnum Joel Barnum Gerry & Kathy Barr Gordon & Jann Baustian Jim Bazan David & Susan Benderson Susan Bennett Kesha & Darin Billings Bob Blockhus
2019 Accomplishments • More than 2,000 friends of LCTA • 12 Farmers’ Markets Attended • 433 Bikes Parked at Farmers’ Markets • $25,000 Gift to Friends of Linn County for Morgan Creek County Park Trail Project • $15,000 Gift to ConnectCR • $5,000 Gift to Corridor MPO for CR Bike Share Program • New Membership Software Implemented
Clarence Boesenberg Jon Bogert Mark Borchardt Richard & Diane Bradford Sheila Brakhahn Terry & Linda Brecht Scott & Eileen Britten Martin Bruns John & Judy Bryant Alan Buck Jeffrey & Diane Buffo Susan Bullis Bob & Lois Buntz Tony Burton Richard & Donna Butikofer Robert & Sharon Caldwell Carol & Bill Calloway
Photo by Marianne Satinsky — Prairie Park Fishery
David & Alexandria Carey
Linn County Trails Association appreciates all of its members and those whose financial support in 2019 helped to Make Trails Happen!
Mysak, Rick & Carrie
Ron & Pat Gonder
John & Pamela Van Heukelom
John Chaimov
Kathy Good
Jim & Ann Hoffman
Steve & Mary Chamberlin
Mark Goodsmith
Wayne & Anna Holstine
Jeanne Chelikowsky
Marilyn Gott
Ed & Becky Holstrom
Jane Christiansen
Arthur Hackett
Brian & Sandy Holterhaus
Bob & Paulette Clark
Stephen & Joanne Hammes
Robert Van Horn
Michael & Lois Coates
John & Pat Hancock
Dale & Ann Horner
Ken & Becky Collier
Diane Handler & Robert Becker
Gerald & Theresa Houlihan
Ray & Mary Collins
Tork & Lynn Harman
Jane Scheer & Robin Hursh
Nicholas Consoles Photo by Rebecca Kendall — Grant Wood Trail
Paul & Nancy Craig Bill & Mary Cummings Ronald Daly Jerry & Nancy Danforth James & Diane Daubenmier David & Kathy Dechant Scott Devore Vic & Lee Ann Dielschneider Brian & Teri Donnelly Mary & Steve Doty Richard & Mary Doyle Amy Dudgeon John Dulle David & Jan Dvorak Karen Elias Larry & Marsha Erb Larry Erenberger Alan Erickson Robert & Linda Erlandson David & Carolyn Evans
The Grant Wood Trail was graded and widened east of Marion in 2018–2019. Future projects will continue the hard-surface trail connection from Marion to Springville, and — one day — to the Mississippi River.
Vicky Evans Brian Farrell
Susan Hartley
Jonathan & Karla Ice
Paul Fiegen
Ed & Marlene Hayek
Greg & Linda Januska
John Fletcher
Roger Heidt
David Jeffries
Michael Forcier
Sue Henderson
Linda Jennings
Robert & Susan Frederick
Bill Henricksen
Charles & Mary Johnson
Leland Freie
Doug & Janet Henry
Doug Johnson
Dick & Deb George
Stan & Sharon Henson
Nicholas Jorgensen
Charley Gerard
John & Nancy Herring
James Kaas
Dennis Gladhill
Steve & Marta Hershner
Dan & Julie Kaspari
A SAFE RIDE FOR THOSE IN NEED When the Cedar Rapids bike-share program launched last summer, several new riders were introduced to trails in Linn County. This opportunity to share the best of our trail system with visitors and first-time local riders alike was matched with questions regarding rider safety. Folks who would be using the new bike-share program may not be expected to bring a helmet with them — either because they didn’t own one, or because they didn’t think to bring theirs along with them on their trip to Cedar Rapids. Additionally, new riders might be unfamiliar with the rules of the road, bike lanes, hand signals, and where to ride in the downtown area.
photos contributed
Alliance, and the Wellmark Foundation in providing funds to produce a series of educational safety videos and furnish MIPS helmets for riders in need. More than 350 helmets were provided at the bike-share launch event, at bike shops, and the tourism center for system users who did not already have access to a helmet. The helmets were furnished with LCTA and other partner logos. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It is a technology found inside the helmet, generally between the comfort padding and the EPS (a high-quality foam used to reduce energy). MIPS is known to reduce harmful forces transmitted to the brain for impacts common in bicycle accidents. According to MIPSprotection.com, “Injury statistics show that when you fall and hit your head, it’s most common to fall at an angle, compared to a linear fall. “Falling at an angle creates rotational motion and science has shown that our brains are very sensitive to rotational forces. In an angled impact, these forces may transfer to your brain, which can cause severe injuries. The MIPS BPS can reduce the rotational motion and reduce the risk of brain damage.”
LCTA joined the MedQuarter, Czech Village New Bohemia District, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic
Thanks to the generous support of our members throughout the years, funds outside of our trails development category were available to support the safety of these new riders and promote LCTA.
2019 Trail Supporters, continued
Art & Joyce Kelsey
Kay Nelson
Craig Rairdin
Stephen Kemble
Jane & Bruce Nesmith
Mark Ramsey
Kevin & Gail Kennedy
Mark Niday
Robert Rasmussen
Larry & Carole Kerr
Cynthia Nielsen
Amy Reasner
Kevin Kirchner
Norm Nielsen
Larry Reeve
Christine & Roger Kirpes
Don Norton
Allyssa Rentschler
Jim & Barbara Klein
Ron & Sue Olson
Randall & Eleonora Rieck
Dawn Klohs
Scott & Penny Olson
Byron Riley
Roger Kolb
Scott Overland
Steve Rinderknecht
Kelle Kolkmeier
Sarah Pauley
Kurt Rogahn
Edward Kosowski
Carroll Reasoner & Tom Peffer
Gary Roling
Larry & Mary Kramer
John Persick
Michael D. Roling
Rita Krebill
Bev & Ian Philpott
John & Karen Roltgen
Don & Norma Kvindlog
John Pillings
Jesse Rosenquist
Jeff Lake
Phillip Platz
Bob Rush & Judi Whetstine Rush
Marilyn LeFebure
Paul Pompi
William (Duffy) & Belva
Bob & Judy Lehman
Diane & Larry Potter
Schamberger
Bruce & Kim Lehrman
Kim Powers
Gerald Scherrman
Ann Leland
Don & Barbra Pulkrab
Howard & Sheri Schiffer
Erlandson, Robert & Linda Steven & Lisa Loesch Alma Long Donna Lubben Laura & Kyle Lundberg Monagan, James & Rose Marie Steve & Denise Maze Sally & Dan McAleer Rex McCright Otis McGowan Gary & Laura McGraw Ron McGraw Robert McKillip Laura Meade Bob & Susie Moran Terry Morgan Ed & Barbara Mumford Barbara Murphy Bob & Sharon Neilly Gregg Nelson
Photo by Nicole Roth Cedar Valley Nature Trail
2019 Trail Supporters, continued Mark Schile
Terry Strait
Bryan & Gayla Wesner
Mollie Schlue
Kevin & Shannon Strobel
Reta Westercamp
Henry & Barbara Schmoll
Carlolyn Stucker
Keith Whipple
Lin Schulte
Keith & Nancy Sutherland
Earl & Penny White
Brian & Molly Scott
Carole Teator
Philip Wiley
Larry Scott
Byron & Sheryl Thompson
Brad Willhite
Kirschen Seah
Kendall Thurm
Gail & Paul Williams
Mark & Anne Seidl
Jack & Lori Tibbs
Mike & Esther Wilson
Janice Sevey
Bruce & Lynn Tiemann
Jim & Barbara Wing
Jamie Shea
Mike Tow
Craig & Candy Wood
Joe Sheller
Robert & Ann Tow
Mike & Jo Woods
Jim Shimek
Bob & Bertha Tribuno
Richard & Ann Woodward
Richard & Joan Smith
Allen Tupker
Mike Yakos
Lucetta & Duane Sobaski
Ellis & Lisa Vann
Baoli & Sunny Zhang Yang
Sasha Solomon
Leonard Verdeck
Chad & Christine Zach
Al & Jacqui Sorensen
Ronald Wasik
Daniel Zange
James & Nancy Spencer
John & Mary Wauer
Marlin Zuber
Kelly A. Spencer
Terry Wegener
Frank & Barbara Stephen
Frank Weinstein
Additional donations made through Collins Aerospace Employee Matching Fund
Thank you for your gifts of any amount. We make every effort to ensure donors are appropriately recognized. If your name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere apology and contact us at contributor@linncountytrails.org so we may correct the mistake. 2019 Business Contributions Alliant Energy Foundation
Iowa Running Company
Benchmark, Inc.
Kickstand Bar & Grill
Cedar Rapids Tourism Office
Northtowne Cycling & Fitness, Ltd.
Collins Aerospace
United Fire Group
Goldfinch Cyclery
We Run LLC
“
Hall Bicycle Company
Photo by Leah Banicky Fuller Sac & Fox Trail
There’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t take advantage of the wonderful trails in Linn County. Thanks for all you do! — Michelle Basler
Photos by Michelle Steele — Morgan Creek County Park
$25,000 GIFT TO MORGAN CREEK PARK TRAIL PROJECT Linn County Conservation continues to make progress on adding trails in Linn County with the goal of continuing to connect communities. LCTA is an invaluable partner in this effort, supported by tremendous local advocates who not only promote trails, but also raise funds to help the new trails become reality. A recent example of LCTA’s advocacy and support is the trail through Morgan Creek County Park. This trail will extend the city of Cedar Rapids’ Cherokee Trail, connecting to — and extending through — Morgan Creek County Park. LCTA contributed funds to this trail, which helped Linn County Conservation obtain additional grants. This allowed the trail project to move forward quickly. We anticipate this trail project will go to bid in May (of 2020) with the goal of completing the project by the first half of 2021. The trail work will coincide with a major park renovation occurring at about the same time, including new wetlands and bio-swales; native prairie habitat development; a destination playground, shelter, and restrooms; and improved stormwater management. Once completed, the trail will connect neighborhoods with popular destinations, including the upgraded Morgan Creek County Park. LCTA’s members and donors played a critical role in making this trail project possible. Thank you all for your support of trails in our community. Dennis Goemaat Executive Director Linn County Conservation Board rendering courtesy Linn County Conservation Board
ENHANCED CONNECTIONS ConnectCR brings together two major projects in Cedar Rapids — the revitalization of Cedar Lake and the creation of an iconic pedestrian/trail bridge south of downtown. For years, people in our community have dreamed of constructing a recreational pedestrian/trail bridge across the Cedar River, linking the expanding NewBo area on the east side of the river with Mt. Trashmore and the Cedar Valley Nature Trail on the west side of the river. Public sentiment was that such a bridge would enhance recreation opportunities for bicyclists, joggers and walkers, and, if constructed correctly, create an iconic symbol for the community. For years, people in our community have also dreamed about revitalizing the long-neglected Cedar Lake to the north of downtown Cedar Rapids and connecting it with an improved recreational trail through downtown to the south. Many felt such a project would turn a current eyesore into a true community asset, encouraging water recreation activities such as kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
LCTA is proud to join the growing number of individuals and corporations who have contributed to and supported the “Awakening Connections” campaign of ConnectCR. The City of Cedar Rapids has already pledged $5 million. The Hall-Perrine Foundation has already pledged $5 million, as a 2:1 challenge. ConnectCR is well along in its efforts to raise an additional $7 million from individuals and corporations, and $3 million from Linn County and the State of Iowa.
LCTA understands the value of these projects, and in 2019 gave $15,000 to the campagin. Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz calls the project a game-changer. “It’s that quality-of-life amenity that Cedar Rapidians are going to be drawn to,” said Pomeranz. “We need these kinds of special places for our residents, for our businesses, and for our visitors.”
Happily, both of these dreams are about to come true, largely because of the efforts of a 501(c)(3) organization called ConnectCR, and its efforts to raise $20 million in design and construction costs for the projects. project renderings courtesy ConnectCR
LCTA President Kevin Kirchner (right) presents ConnectCR board president Mike McGrath with the campaign donation in November 2019.
Log on to ConnectCR.org to support this campaign. Once the total $20 million is raised, the money will be turned over to the City of Cedar Rapids which has committed to overseeing the construction and longterm maintenance and sustainability of both projects.
“
LCTA believes that completion of these two north and south “bookend” grassroots community projects will not only greatly enhance the breadth and appeal of our recreational trails system, but will offer stunning aesthetics; create outdoor and water recreation opportunities; connect community landmarks, businesses, neighborhoods and amenities; develop social hubs; and spark economic development.
”
We need these kinds of special places for our residents, for our businesses, and for our visitors.
— Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz
Photo by Marianne Satinsky Cedar Lake
Significantly, and in furtherance of its commitment to the projects, the City of Cedar Rapids has already acquired from Alliant Energy, ownership of Cedar Lake and the Smokestack Bridge site. The City is also finalizing the selection of an engineering firm to act as project manager to oversee the entire combined project.
LCTA DONATION FORM
story submitted by Tom Peffer, board member of LCTA & ConnectCR
Donate immediately online at linncountytrails.org/support or, mail this form with your contribution to:
Name(s)
Linn County Trails Association P.O. Box 2681 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Address
Method of Payment:
City/State/Zip
Please accept my donation of $
Check (Enclosed)
Bill Me
Do you work for one of the following — or many other — employers which offer charitable gift matching? Please include your form!
Aegon Alliant Energy
Your email address will be used only for supporter administration and LCTA information. It will not be sold or shared.
All donations to LCTA are tax deductible.
Cargill General Mills
Intermec PepsiCo (Quaker)
Collins Aerospace Other
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!
Your support renewal due date is on the back of this page ▶
Linn County Trails Association P.O. Box 2681 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2681
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CEDAR RAPIDS, IA PERMIT No. 291
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Linn County Trails ASSOCIATION
linncountytrails.org
