Board approves $140,000 district contribution for Franklin Field trail; city plans larger West End Park connection

The Marshalltown Community School District board on Aug. 4 approved a district contract to construct an 8‑foot walking/jogging/bike path and to add glow pavers along Franklin Field and the adjacent district property. Board president Sean Heitman called the motion; the vote carried 6‑0.

Julie Hitchens, representing the Rebuild Marshalltown Fund at the Community Foundation of Marshall County, presented a grant to the district and said the rebuild committee supported adding the trail and glow elements as a final rebuild grant. Hitchens said the foundation had more than 250 donors and “have granted over $800,000” on tornado recovery work; the Franklin Field glow path was the committee’s final grant.

Nut graf: The district’s direct financial commitment to the trail was estimated at about $140,000 (quote from Construct). City staff and council members signaled support for a larger project that would continue the path through West End Park; the city’s first‑cut cost estimate for its portion — including a bridge over the creek — is about $617,000.

Details and funding
- The district’s construct quote to include glow pavers and the 8‑foot path along Thirteenth Street/Franklin Field was presented to the board. The school and city discussed coordinating schedules so the district portion would not result in a path that “leads to nowhere.”
- Julie Hitchens and members of the Rebuild Marshalltown committee, plus funds raised by alumni classes and discretionary city funds, were cited as sources that, together with district funds, will make the initial segment feasible.
- City council members indicated preliminary support for taking on the West End Park portion; the city engineer and parks staff expect to advance design and anticipated work in spring, with district construction scheduled for September–October.

Board action
- Motion: “Approve the construct in quote for the veil at Franklin Field project as presented.”
- Outcome: Passed unanimously, 6‑0.

Ending: Board members said the path will improve connectivity to Miller Middle School and Miller’s future parking improvements; the city will pursue its portion of the project and further public planning for trail extensions in future phases.