Blazing a trail
Group wants rec trail around Hartley
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If it becomes a reality, the trail around Hartley would encompass approximately 4 miles.
A group of Hartley-area residents is hoping to pave a future for a community trail in the City With a Heart.
A quintet comprised of Dave Vander Broek, Dan and Justin McCarty, Nicole Shaffer and Laura Mohni have been investigating building a trail around Hartley for the past three months. So far the group has been informing civic groups and other local officials about their idea, which they feel would be an important addition to the community.
"I think it's been enthusiastically received so far," said Vander Broek. "Walkers, joggers and bikers like to go places other than the streets, and we feel this would be a great asset to the community."
The 14-foot wide trail would encompass Hartley starting at Neebel Park for total distance of approximately four miles. It would be paved with cement and ideally have a gravel shoulder, which is a better surface for joggers.
Vander Broek said funding and land acquisition will be the biggest hurdles if the trail is to become a reality. The group attended a grant-writing workshop this winter and is also hoping to apply for funds through the O'Brien County Community Foundation and other entities. To kick off fundraising efforts, an omelet brunch and bloody Mary bar is tentatively slated for Sunday, April 10 at the Hartley Community Center.
"We think that will be kind of different for folks and hopefully draw people in," said Vander Broek.
The cost per mile of trail is approximately $400,000, so organizers know they have a long road ahead of them. However, they have to start somewhere.
"It'll be a process of years," said Vander Broek. "We would like to start adding sections out as we acquire land, gain easements and generate funding. If it's possible, we would love to see sections added by next summer, but we'll see."
Vander Broek noted that recreation trails in other communities help improve quality of life and attract new residents.
"It's something people look at," he said. "We have a lot of positive things going in Hartley right now, and this would be one more on the list."
