Eldon American Gothic Park Trail

Project Description:  Eldon, Iowa – home of the house pictured in Grant Wood’s famous painting “American Gothic”.  In 1996, the City of Eldon made plans to enhance tourism opportunities, and mitigate potential flood damages (from the Flood of ’93) with the development of an 11-acre retention pond and parkway named American Gothic Park South.  The City received regional enhancement funds to assist with developing a 2,500’ hard surface trail through the park and other amenities including a pedestrian bridge, benches, and picnic tables.  Eventual plans are for the trail to connect downtown Eldon through the South Park to a future American Gothic Park North that will include a visitor’s center and trail-head.

Eddyville Cemetery Road

Project Description:  This project is to preserve a National Historic Register eligible stretch of roadway in rural Mahaska County.  The Highland Cemetery Road, located near Eddyville, is one of Iowa’s first paved rural farm-to-market roadways.  Built in 1907, it is the first rural paved road in Iowa made of poured cement.  A strip 500 feet long and 14 feet wide was poured to serve an area that was difficult for farmers to travel particularly when driving horse teams with heavy laden wagons full of grain.  After the 1907 paving, engineers from Ames, Iowa came to see it, questioning if it would hold up.  It has held up and served well.  The methods used to form the concrete were precisely documented for future duplication across the state.  The scope of the project involves careful preservation techniques to maintain the historic integrity of the concrete roadway. 

Fairfield – Trail Bridge

Project Description:  In cooperation with the Fairfield Trails Committee, the City of Fairfield proposed to construct a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the heavily traveled BNSF railroad.  The project connects a segment of the city’s loop trail near an intensively used city park.  Because of the high-cost nature of the project, this project would not have been possible without federal funding.  Once completed, it will provide recreation users a safe crossing of a potentially dangerous intersection. 

Eldon American Gothic Parkway Expansion

Project Description:  The American Gothic North Park is the final phase of the American Gothic Parkway project in Eldon.  The project scope involves the construction of a 2,000 sq. ft. visitor’s center/trailhead near the famous Gothic House.  Project sponsors secured Vision Iowa CAT grant funds in 2003, and the RPA injected enough funding to help this project meet its financial goals. 

Oskaloosa Trail Underpass

Project Description:  This project involves the construction of a pedestrian and bike underpass underneath highway 63 in Oskaloosa.  The underpass will address safety issues faced with the current at-grade crossing currently being used.  The project is located on a section of Mahaska County Trails system that extends 7.25 miles in and around the city.

Keosauqua Loop Trail

Project Description:  This project is a proposed 2-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail in and around the Keosauqua.  Part of the trail path will follow an abandoned railway, and link to the Roberts Community Building.  IDOT will assist with extending the trail along Highway 1, by providing an extended shoulder on both sides of the highway, designated for trail users. 

Oskaloosa Market Street Streetscape

Project Description:  The City of Oskaloosa plans a streetscaping project in 2006 to complement road improvements that will be made along US Highway 63 which travels through the central business district of the city.  Regional enhancement dollars were awarded for the purpose of beautification including lighting, plantings, and brick accents.  Provide streetscaping along a three block area, including:  lighting, plantings, brick accents, and sidewalks.  The streetscaping will take place as part of a $2 million street improvement project.