Lake Darling bridge work enters final stages

By David Hotle, GTNS News

BRIGHTON - Construction of the 150-foot bridge spanning the east end of the Lake Darling State Park silt dam is expected to be completed in a few weeks, as workers are finishing the landscaping leading up to the bridge.

The finishing touches on the project will make the bridge Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant as a five foot step-up between the ground and the foot of the bridge is filled with the landscaping project.

'They have a project deadline at the end of October, but I think they will be completed before then,” Lake Darling State Park ranger Zach Haworth reported. 'I would like to be optimistic and think it will be in the next two or three weeks. We are going to be planning a ribbon cutting and dedication for it.”

Iowa Department of Natural Resources supervisor Tom Basten said the landscaping project is being funded with Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funds which were allocated to the park this year. He explained during this year's budget legislators have set aside $2 million for state park projects. There is a push in the state to have parks in premier condition by 2020, which is the 100 year anniversary of Iowa State Parks.

Richland native Jerry B. Robinson, currently of Englewood, Colorado, had granted up to $200,000 to pay for installation of the bridge, which was given in four installments.

Friends of Lake Darling fundraising committee member Fay Vittetoe said that as a boy, Robinson rode with his father in the seat of his father's fuel truck to take fuel to the bulldozers building the first dam in Lake Darling.

In the past, Robinson donated a $100,000 matching grant to build the Four Seasons Lodge in the park, which was dedicated in 2008. He also donated a $50,000 matching grant for the Four Seasons cabins that were opened last fall.

Vittetoe commented that the names of people donating to projects would be displayed at the project site.

She believes the Friends will continue to work with park personnel to further the trail system, maybe to the boundaries of the park. She said the bridge is a 'key component” to future development.

Lake Darling also will have a trick-or-treat event in the campgrounds on Oct. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is open to all ages.