West Des Moines Launches Capital Campaign For Athene Pedestrian Bridge

West Des Moines IA

08 June, 2022

2:17 PM

Description

Press release from the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce: June 6, 2022 Five Waters Project will connect Raccoon River Park to Walnut Woods State Park The City of West Des Moines is pleased to announce the name of the future Athene Pedestrian Bridge. Spanning the Raccoon River, this iconic bridge will serve as a connection for cyclists and pedestrians from Raccoon River Park to Walnut Woods State Park and dozens of miles of future trails. Thanks to a $750,000 contribution from Athene, the City is well on its way to realizing this game-changing project for our trail system. Mayor Russ Trimble recently announced the name at the annual Mayor's Bike Ride held at Raccoon River Park on June 4. The Athene Pedestrian Bridge was highlighted in a pre-ride program where Athene and other lead donors and contributors were recognized. Mayor Trimble also took the opportunity to kick-off the public phase of a $3 million capital campaign for the implementation of the $7.9 million project. The Athene Pedestrian Bridge, designed by Shive-Hattery, is one of the five signature quality of life initiatives included in the City of West Des Moines Five Waters Project. After several months in the quiet phase of the campaign, the City of West Des Moines unveiled giving opportunities to the public at the Mayor's Bike Ride and Park Palooza on Saturday. Thus far, over $2.4 million has been secured. Other top contributors include MidAmerican Energy Company and Polk County along with over 80 private donors. Federal grants have also been received for the project including Community Projects funding requested by Representative Cindy Axne. The Great Outdoors Foundation is serving as the fundraising consultant on the campaign. "We are so pleased with the initial response to the Athene Pedestrian Bridge," Sally Ortgies, Director of Parks and Recreation, said. "Everyone that sees the plans gets excited about the bridge's appearance and the connections it will make. I look forward to quickly reaching our fundraising goal so construction can begin in early 2023." Donations to the Athene Pedestrian Bridge capital campaign are being accepted online at https://greatoutdoorsfoundation.org/raccoon-river-pedestrian-bridge. Pledges for larger gifts are also being accepted. Contact Jen Cross, [email protected] for pledge information. This press release was produced by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.