Neal Smith Trail - support reconstruction now!

Posted Feb 22, 2005
8,011

Take Action today and help the Neal Smith Trail by supporting federal funding needed for repairs!

We've made it VERY easy to contact your legislator!

updated 3-14-05 11:22 pm Neal Smith Trail funding passes House!. Please continue to email our Iowa senators!

[PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY!] Dear Cyclist, One of central Iowa’s most cherished trails needs your help right now. The Army Corps of Engineers is approaching Congress this week (feb 21-25) for federal dollars to fix severe cracking, erosion and other problems with the 20-year-old Neal Smith trail along Saylorville Reservoir. Your representatives need to hear from you today to make sure the request is given the attention I think you’ll agree it deserves. Neal Smith is a popular trail; I’m confident you or someone you know has helped accumulate the more than 6.5 million hours of bicycle use the Neal Smith trail has seen since 1999. So, I'm hoping you’ll agree that five minutes of your time, right now, is a good investment to ensure the trail is repaired. We've made it easy to contact your Legislator WE provide a sample email, YOU personalize it and WE send it! EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATOR

Facts to use when writing your email:

Neal Smith Trail Facts
Neal Smith Trail Map
In recent years, part of the Neal Smith trail was voted in the TOP 100 Best Trails in the United States for cycling by Bicycling magazine.

MORE ABOUT THE NEAL SMITH TRAIL The Neal Smith Trail, a segment of the longer Saylorville Trail, runs through a portion of Des Moines and then north to Big Creek State Park. It runs north from University Avenue to the City limits along the Des Moines River, and then to Big Creek State Park. Length is approximately 4.4 miles within the City; total length is about 23.7 miles. Surface is asphalt and width is approximately 6'-8' wide. Trailheads are located at Botanical Center's riverfront parking lot under the University bridge and the Target Shopping Center off Douglas Avenue. Further access is along the Des Moines River at Birdland Marina, Birdland Tennis Courts parking lots, McHenry Park and an InterUrban Trail connection at the Des Moines River using the Hyvee parking lot on ML King Jr. Parkway. Thank you for emailing your legislator now to support reconstruction of the Neal Smith trail. Ryan Hanser Board member, Iowa Bicycle Coalition 515.229.3737 Scott Sumpter BIKEIOWA.com / Des Moines Trails committee 515.490-2055