Logan’s ‘Safe Walk to School’ project begins
Submitted by Logan Visioning Committee
Logan's Safe Route to School trail construction is officially underway, and is expected to be completed later this fall. The trail will start near the Logan Community Center, continuing along the east side of the Community Center, onto Glen Rd, curving back east to Hwy 127, where we will safely cross the highway with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon and painted crosswalk.
The trail will continue on the east side of Hwy 127, hugging the old pool hill, then making its way directly north to the school. There will be a connection from the base of the athletic field entrance on 3rd Ave to one block south, connecting to the existing sidewalk, ensuring all residents on the east side of Hwy 127 also have a safe connection directly to school. Lastly, there will be a connection from Glen Rd to Milliman Park along the new parking and fencing on the south side of the street. Milliman Park is already home to a mulched nature trail throughout the park's wooded areas.
This project stemmed from Logan participating in the Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program in 2022, where recreational trails, most specifically safe routes to school, was identified by our community as the largest need. As all community members are aware, Logan completely lacks safe walkability between the main town of Logan and our community schools on the north edge of town. This trail will be used by pedestrians and bikers of all ages with the number one need being for our students and younger generation in providing them a safe route to/from school.
Safe Routes to School is Phase 01 of a city-wide, 5+ mile trail system in and around Logan. Phase 01 will promote walking and biking as a safe alternative form of transportation for Logan residents, ultimately, making it easier to engage in active living. Logan Community Visioning, now a part of the Logan Iowa Community Foundation, mission is to work towards community betterment and improve social and economic vitality.
Phase 01 alone will provide value to our community for decades to come not only for our students and pedestrians walking and biking from town to our community schools and north, but for all citizens residing and visiting our community in the heart of the Loess hills, providing an outlet for an active and healthy life-style, ultimately increasing Logan's quality of life!
The construction of the trail is made possible through DOT grant funding, local grants, city funds and local donations. Veenstra and Kimm a Kleinfleder Company is the engineering firm contracted to provide services for the City of Logan, and Armodus is the contracting company completing the construction of the trail. We are incredibly grateful to all those who have helped make this project a reality!
The Foundation is gearing up to host a 5k/1 mile fun run/walk to officially open the trail in November. Be on the lookout for further details in the coming weeks.
