Decorah Awarded Nearly $300K to Develop New Trails, Expanding Outdoor Access for All

DECORAH — On November 13, the Iowa Department of Transportation awarded a $298,795 State Recreational Trails grant to the City of Decorah, dedicated to advancing the Carlson Park Project. This project includes the development of approximately 5.7 miles of mixed-use trails, designed to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. The State Recreational Trails Program was created in 1988 with the purpose of developing and maintaining recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized trail users. The Iowa Transportation Commission approved a total of $3,523,206 for nine State Recreational Trails Program projects, including Decorah. According to Marc Holtey, director of Decorah Parks and Recreation, the approval of this grant means great progress on the Carlson Park Project. "We were waiting on the outcome of the grant to determine whether bids for Phase 1A and 1B would go out separately or together," Holtey said. "With the grant funding, we can bid and construct 1A and 1B together. The funding will be available July 1, 2025, and we anticipate bids will go out in January or February 2025." Phase 1A includes a one-mile bike-optimized, feature-rich mountain biking skills course with two progressive gravity trails, a short beginner cross country loop, banked turns, ramps, rapid elevation changes, rock features and a climb trail. Phase 1B includes approximately 4.7 miles of mixed-use, bike-friendly, multi-purpose trails designed for both beginner and intermediate skill levels. These trails are suitable for hiking and non-mountain biking activities. Phase 1 of the 2021 Carlson Park Master Plan prioritizes these trails as part of a four-phase development. The plan aims to add unique amenities not found elsewhere in Decorah and to connect Carlson Park with existing parks and trail systems. In line with this, the City of Decorah's Sustainability Plan emphasizes investing in infrastructure that removes access barriers, making parks and activities available to people of all ages and abilities. The Carlson Park Project has been made possible through a collaborative effort with Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) and the Carlson Park Trail Coalition volunteers. Their hard work and commitment were instrumental in securing this funding, which will support the creation of trails accessible to walkers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Carlson Park trails will provide community members and visitors with improved access to Decorah's natural landscapes and opportunities for healthy outdoor activities. For more information on the Carlson Park Project and the trail development, please contact City Manager Travis Goedken at 563-382-3651. Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.