May 17 will be a busy day in Ankeny with the groundbreaking of the
Ankeny Market & Pavilion, the season opening of the Ankeny Farmers
Market and the second annual Mayor’s Bike Ride.
Ankeny leaders
will break ground on the $2 million market and pavilion at 8:30 a.m. at
Southwest Third and Maple streets. The project will include two large,
open air shelters, which will house the Ankeny Uptown Farmers Market and
a variety of community activities; a restroom building; 108 parking
spaces; and other open areas. It will serve as the primary trailhead of
the High Trestle Trail, which is a 26-mile trail between Ankeny and
Woodward.
Immediately following the groundbreaking, the first
Ankeny Farmers Market of the year will get underway and the Mayor’s Bike
Ride, which begins at 210 N.W. Ash Drive, will depart at 9 a.m.
Two
routes have been chosen for the bike ride. Bicyclists can choose
between a 15-mile route to the Oasis located on the High Trestle Trail
or a family friendly 3.5-mile route that also will utilize the High
Trestle Trail and local trail connections.
Registration is not required and participation is free.
The
Ankeny Fire Department will be on hand to promote Bicycle Safety Month
by checking bicycle equipment, fitting helmets and educating children
about bicycle safety.
For more information about the day’s
activities, contact Parks & Recreation Director Nick Lenox at
nlenox@ankenyiowa.gov or 515-963-3576. For information and donation
opportunities specific to the market and pavilion project, visit
www.ankenyamp.com.