he ground was officially broken for the Kinnick to Raccoon Trail Improvement Project. The Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce and Kinnick to Raccoon Trail Improvement Project Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Sept. 6 at Pedal Plaza for the landscaping portion of the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony was to help kick off the planting of around 2,000 trees, shrubs and perennials along the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Adel.

Chairperson Rebecca Hillmer introduced the members of the committee and said the group “has been instrumental in planning, fundraising, sharing the story and implementing a project that will improve what is already a great asset in our community.”

The group assembled at the groundbreaking ceremony holding golden shovels “represented cash, supplies and service contributions in excess of $81,000,” Walling said. “Thank you very much. It’s no exaggeration to say that we couldn’t have done it without you.”

Mayor Jim Peters then addressed the group gathered on Sept. 6. He thanked the committee for their “hardwork and dedication to this trail.” He added that trail provides a number of economic development opportunities for Adel.

“It’s one of Adel’s many parks and it’s going to be beautified by all of your efforts, so thank you,” Peters said.

Mike Wallace, Executive Director of the Dallas County Conservation Board, was also on hand during the groundbreaking ceremony. He thanked the members of the committee for their help with the project.