Marion approves hike and bike trail proposal
Grant application to be sent to state
Staff writer
A community committee’s proposal for a two-mile hike and bike trail was unanimously endorsed Monday by Marion’s city council.
If the state approves a city grant application, the gravel and crushed limestone trail will cost the city $20,000. The remainder of the $160,000 cost would be paid by the grant.
Member Donna Hett said the seven-person committee looked at several options for location and length of the trail.
“We believe that this trail will improve our community for several reasons, including continuing to attract families to town through active tourism as well as providing a safe alternative to walking and biking on the streets,” Hett said.
She presented three options proposed by the committee.
The first two options were for a paved or a gravel trail starting at Ann’s Park and proceeding east along Kellison St. to east of the city’s baseball park and football stadium.
The trail would then lead south to a point even with the north side of the community garden.
From there, the trail would skirt the community garden and go west to Eisenhower St., then south to Lawrence St.
It then would go west along Lawrence St. to Thorp St., where it would go south a half a block on the east side of East Park.
From there it would go west along the south side of East Park and then north along the west side of the elementary school property to Denver St.
On Denver St. the trail would lead west to Coble St., then north back to Kellison St.
Committee member Zach Collett said the trail would be smooth enough for bikes.
Paving the trail would cost $500,000, with the city’s share being $100,000.
The grant application is due Nov. 15. City administrator Roger Holter said he did not know how long it would be before the city knew whether the grant was approved.