Summer is often a time where construction projects are in full force, and for the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Dallas County, there are a few projects coming up. 

Dallas County Conservation Board Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says two phases will be completed this year concerning the Let’s Connect project with the Raccoon River Valley Trail to the High Trestle Trail. 

“We are excited to announce that we are actually going to be tackling another two phases this summer. One phase will be tacking on another mile west from Woodward and another phase will be going eastward from Perry up to M Avenue.”

Gilchrist tells Raccoon Valley Radio the Conservation Board is seeking donations to put towards the trail project and so far fundraising has gone well, as up to 85-percent of the estimated $5-6 million for the project has been raised.

“As you know construction costs are going through the roof, really increasing quickly. People are always curious what’s the price tag on this and it’s hard to say just because of what the current cost might be. We are making significant progress and that is very exciting to us.”

The Let’s Connect project would connect two major trails and donations of $1,000 or more, the donor can choose to receive recognition on trailhead signs. Donations can be made here.