NEW NAME Ankeny to Woodward Trail has a New Name and Logo June 2009

Officials announce that the trail from Ankeny to Woodward will be named the High Trestle Trail. The name and logo will honor the original trestle bridge and highlight the contemporary architecture. There is also a tagline, 'discover a new view' which is meant to excite people about the trail and all the scenery you will experience while on it and the 13-story half mile bridge that overlooks the Des Moines River Valley.

The name and logo were approved recently by a partnership that has been fundraising and active in the trail's development. The group consists of five cities, four counties and the Iowa National Heritage Foundation.

The final three-mile segment has been scheduled for a fall of 2010 completion according to a press release. Work on the trail's bridge over the Des Moines River and final segments will begin soon thanks to a public fundraising campaign and recent construction bid approvals.

This project started in 2003 and partners have raised about 14.7 million in public and private money including 20 public grants, three special appropriations and funding from 800 private donors.

Fundraising is still taking place for related projects including trailheads, signage, and historic restorations.

The Ankeny to Madrid segment, which is about 20 miles long, is already open to the public. There is also a connection to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater.

The Ankeny to Woodward Trail, when completed, will span 25 miles, including the ½ mile, 13-story tall Des Moines River Valley Trail bridge with its dramatic vistas, series of overlooks, and an art immersion experience – reflective of the area’s coal mining history.