By Sarah Williams
Four lights are now illuminating the River Bend Trail near Polk Street thanks to Weinbrenner Shoe Company and Park City Credit Union.
Weinbrenner Shoe Company has purchased two of the bronze light poles and Park City Credit Union has purchased one pole. The $10,000 grant from the Rotary Club allowed for the installation of 10 light bases to begin the lighting of the trail.
Pat Miner, President of Weinbrenner, comments, “Weinbrenner Shoe Company has been manufacturing American made footwear in Merrill since 1936. Merrill’s workforce and their families are the most important asset we have. Without their personal commitment to our world-recognized quality and success we could not have continued to exist in the community for over 80 years. It is Weinbrenner’s commitment to the community to always support the beauty, health and welfare of those who have been so vital to our success. This is our way of giving back and saying thank you to the beautiful city of Merrill.”
Lights on the trail will continue to be added east to the Nicklaus Family Bridge as poles are purchased. The light poles can be purchased by businesses or by individuals as memorials or in honor of someone with a plaque of recognition at the base of the light pole.
For more information contact Dan Wendorf, City of Merrill Park & Recreation at 715-536-6187 or Gene Bebel, President of the River District Development Foundation at 715-536-2388.