A group of trail enthusiasts is asking Waukee for money to create a public art piece to draw visitors to the city’s new trailhead.
Jim Miller, a board member of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that the group has raised around $15,000 from businesses. Organizers are now asking for $10,000 from the city of Waukee to kick-start the design phase of the project, which they say will cost $35,000..
“We’re to the point where we would like to start public meetings, so that was the reason for coming forth tonight,” Miller said.
Waukee’s trailhead, located at the intersection of 10th Street and Hickman Road, opened in October.
Miller made a presentation before the City Council in November where he explained that a distinguishing piece of public art would link Waukee with the 89-mile paved trail, which passes through Greene, Guthrie and Dallas counties. He said the group envisions a project that could cost around $250,000 to construct.
After public meetings, the group will seek grants to increase the size and scope of the project, Miller said.
The city money would enable artist David Dahlquist, who works for RDG Planning and Design, to begin working with community members on a design concept.
Dahlquist has served as an artist-in-residence at the Des Moines Art Center and he helped design the High Trestle Trail bridge in Woodward.
Money raised so far has been given to the Dallas County Conservation Board, Miller said.
Miller, chairman of the Dallas County Conservation Board, said he discussed plans for the project with Brad Deets, Waukee’s development services director. The plan is for the artwork to be owned by the city, he said.
Randy Jensen, a member of the Raccoon River Valley Trails Association’s ad-hoc public art committee, said art at Waukee’s trailhead would draw people to the area. “It is in the most enviable spot along the entire corridor,” he said.
Recent improvements are expected to draw more people to the trail, Jensen said. It is accessible to many people since it is located along U.S. Highway 6 and near Des Moines.
The trail project will be scheduled as an agenda item for the March 4 City Council meeting.