The River District Development Foundation is hosting an evening to celebrate the recent milestone of purchasing the River Bend Trail. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Eagles Club of Merrill. A networking social will kick off the event with music provided by Susanna and Paul Gilk. The public is invited to join in this celebration. The next steps in developing the trail as well as accomplishments to date will be shared following the social.
The event signals the completion of the purchase of the River Bend Trail. The River Bend Trail is phase one of a three-phase trail plan and will connect the downtown area west to the MARC and Council Grounds State Park. The trail’s length is approximately 2.5 miles long, extending westward following the Wisconsin River.
“Our community has met our Phase One goal to raise sufficient funds to buy the abandoned rail lines along the Wisconsin River from downtown to the western boundaries of our city,” states Gene Bebel, River Bend District Foundation President. “The River District Foundation, Friends, and donors have worked extremely hard to achieve something special. Our thanks to all,” added Bebel.
The community is welcome to show their support of the River Bend Trail by becoming a Friend of the Trail and or by making a donation. For more information on how to support the trail and receive updates on trail activities, visit www.riverdistrictfoundationofmerrill.com or connect on Facebook.
The River District Development Foundation of Merrill’s mission is to provide the resources that allow all Merrill area citizens to take part in the enrichment and enjoyment of the precious spaces along the community’s beautiful river corridors.