BROOKLYN, Ohio — The $314,000 revitalization of Marquardt Park in Brooklyn began earlier this week with the work expected to be finished in late October.

“The first phase begins with the renovation of the path, which over the years residents have been requesting,” Brooklyn Recreation Commissioner Jack Abbruzzese said. “The existing trail that goes through the wooded area of the park on the perimeter is going to be renovated and resurfaced.

“We’re also adding a connecting path through the neighborhood that extends Richard Drive through some of those dead-end streets. It’s a six-foot asphalt walking path wide enough for biking; however, there won’t be any bike lines on it.”

Residents in the area have also requested such a path that connects Richard Drive to Autumn Lane located on the northern boundary of Marquardt Park.

With its spectacular 130-foot-tall bridge over the Des Moines River, the High Trestle Trail draws more than 250,000 annual visitors from Iowa and beyond. Now Ankeny, at the other end of the 25-mile biking and pedestrian trail, wants to make its section just as memorable. 

A proposal submitted to the Ankeny City Council calls for a host of improvements to the already popular byway, which runs 4.1 miles from its eastern trailhead through one of Iowa’s fastest-growing cities.

The plan includes temporary and permanent art installations

With its spectacular 130-foot-tall bridge over the Des Moines River, the High Trestle Trail draws more than 250,000 annual visitors from Iowa and beyond. Now Ankeny, at the other end of the 25-mile biking and pedestrian trail, wants to make its section just as memorable. 

A proposal submitted to the Ankeny City Council calls for a host of improvements to the already popular byway, which runs 4.1 miles from its eastern trailhead through one of Iowa’s fastest-growing cities.

The plan includes temporary and permanent art installations at points along the trail. Included are 6- to 8-foot-tall sculptures of Iowa prairie animals, pocket parks, colorfully decorated under- and overpasses and a 15-foot-high trestle bridge sculpture under which the trail would pass. 

The elaborate proposal document also envisions new signage that would make it easier for trail users to find their way.