MASON CITY – The City of Mason City and Cerro Gordo County have been awarded $4,500,000 toward several projects that will enhance the area as a biking/mountain biking destination. These components include new single-track trails, a new bike park and pump track, and key connectors in the North Iowa trails system. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $11,873,265 and will also play a key role in providing direct access to all trails, adding trailside amenities, and adding improvements to the Ingebretson Campground.
Mayor Bill Schickel, City Administrator Aaron Burnett, Cerro Gordo County repre- sentatives and members of the following organizations: North Iowa Human Powered Trails, the Mason City Park Board, Mason City Active Living and Transportation Commission will be at a press conference to highlight the details of this transforma- tional project for North Iowa and answer questions from the press.
According to a project description from city officials, “North Iowa is home to a vibrant cycling community, great bike trails and several large regional cycling events. The cycling community has long been supported through investments like the purchase of the Union Pacific easement for the High Line Trail project, detailed master plans for trails and single track trail development, the steady funding of incremental trail development and trail maintenance.”
This collaborative grant between the City of Mason City, Cerro Gordo County and North Io- wa Human Powered Trails continues this support through acting on the plans established over the last decade. The Bike North Iowa grant further develops the current assets of the region with increased trail connectivity and develop the amenities tailored to the rapidly growing sport of mountain biking. The Bike North Iowa plan is comprised of several projects creating a larg- er vision of establishing a compelling biking tourism destination.
The primary project components include: new single track trail areas that will add many miles of new riding to the existing mountain bike trails; a new large bike park and pump track; a pedestrian bridge to create a seamless experience connecting currently disjointed trail sections along the Winnebago River.
This project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act – passed by Democrats in Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. Kim Reynolds vehemently opposed this legislation – calling it “socialism” as did Ashley Hinson, Any Feenstra, Joni Ernst, and most other Iowa Congressmen. However, Reynolds and other Iowa elected officials have gleefully taken the money, allocated it throughout the state of Iowa, and attempted to take credit for the projects.
