Decorah Rotary Club Invites the Public to "Picnic at the Park" at Carlson Park

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — The Decorah Rotary Club will host "Picnic at the Park" Thursday, Sept. 25, at Carlson Park. The event includes a free picnic, followed by a short presentation about the park and a walking tour of its newest area, which features three new trails. Rotary Club members helped bring the trails to fruition by securing $12,000 in funding for the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub, then worked with Decorah Human Powered Trails members and Decorah Parks and Recreation staff to build the structure. "The Bin" is a major feature of the Highway 9 skyline and rekindled public interest in Carlson Park. After the Binzebo's construction, the Carlson Park Trail Development Coalition secured funding from private donors and a State Recreational Trails grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation. That funding allowed them to complete phases 1A and 1B of construction simultaneously. Pine Creek Trail Builders, LLC broke ground this summer. "Carlson Park is not done, but the trails connected to the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub look great," said Brecka Putnam, a member of both the Rotary Club and the Carlson Park Trail Coalition. "I can't wait for Rotarians and members of the public to share a meal at the Binzebo and see all the progress." Carlson Park is at 1230 Pleasant Ave. To access from town by vehicle, travel south on Pleasant Avenue past Highway 9; the park will be on the left. From the fish hatchery, travel north on Siewers Spring Road; parking is on the right. From Minowa Heights, visitors can walk or bike via the connecting trail from Miller Park. There is no seating at the park, so guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Guests are asked to RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/picnicatCP. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.