Don’t resurface Grant Wood Trail

I have spent many hours on all sections of the Grant Wood Trail and have thought about what the future of this asset could be. I can imagine that there could be connecting trails from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque and beyond. I can foresee these trails getting lots of use due to the low cost and health benefits.

Based on the current trend it looks like nearly all trail surfaces will be improved with concrete or asphalt. If the trail from Secrist Road to Springville Road could be left in a natural state I can imagine people after traveling endless miles of concrete would welcome the cooler area and slow down to enjoy the natural surroundings. I would think that there would be great respect for anyone who had the vision and made the effort to preserve this section of the trail so that it could provide a needed benefit just as it is.

This is a currently a recreational trail and not a commuter route, this trail has a firm natural surface that is suitable for all uses just as it is. Just because money is available for hard surfacing does not mean that it is necessary or even desirable. Please contact the members of the Linn County Conservation Board if you agree that it is not necessary to hard surface this section of the Grant Wood Trail.

Dennis Brant

Mount Vernon