At the Monday, Oct. 3 Waukee City Council meeting, Randy Jensen and Jim Miller were recognized by Mayor Bill Peard for their vision and fundraising efforts for the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead Art Project. The team, led by Jensen and Miller, raised $1.1 million for the Waukee Railroad Pergola art piece and other trailhead improvements.
The Waukee Trailhead project is part of a broader regional initiative to construct significant public outdoor art environments along the Raccoon River Valley Trail Corridor. The integration of significant art structures and spaces on the trail is expected to enhance the cultural, recreational/health and economic benefits associated with this unique outdoor resource. The groundbreaking will happen this fall or early 2017.
The trailhead installation, entitled, “Railroad Pergola – in the shadow of the rails,” will be constructed at the intersection of Hickman Road and Hwy R22. The design plays on the railroad history of Waukee and the trailhead site. It will include dynamic and colorful LED night lighting, possibly powered by on-site solar panels. The installation was designed by David Dahlquist of RDG Planning & Design.