By Mari Radtke
The Marcus Trail was officially dedicated Thursday, July 24 under its new welcoming arch at the Fairgrounds with a Red Ribbon cutting. The structure was designed and built by Matt Hansen and Nick Long. Donors of $1000 or more have personalized leaves coming to be attached to the arch.
Anna Erdman and Kaitlin Letsche have led a dedicated group to plan the route, acquire easements and secure funding for the multi-year project.
The arch puts a capstone on the initial phase of the path that accommodates walkers, runners and bicyclists. It’s path provides a safer route through the Marcus community to and through recreation locations like the swimming pool, and on to the school complex and the cemetery. Benches and garbage cans have been added. A great suggestion was to put dog collection bags along the trail. That’s been done.
Anna explained that they were beginning to plan for a next phase of the well-used asset, new to Marcus.
In celebration of the milestone, the group served hot dogs and had kids’ train rides and a sidewalk chalk art contest. It was a great evening for the ceremony. About 50 people came out to share the joy.