What started in 2014 as a daunting goal of raising $650,000 to fund phase 1 of the Gold Star Memorial Trail has been overcome by the end of 2016! By early 2016, about $200,000 was still needed to reach the goal. A $100,000 challenge grant carrot from the Bachhuber Foundation potentially cut the need in half. The challenge grant spurred the Gold Star Memorial Trail committee of the Friends of Dodge County Parks to seek to raise the final $100,000 by December 31, 2016. Dozens of individuals mixed with several corporations, foundations, businesses and organizations stepped up to the plate with donations over the past several months to bring the goal within reach. Then thanks to a significant donation from Lyle Lidholm of Watertown on December 30, the $100,000 mark was reached to maximize the Bachhuber grant and surpass the $650,000 goal for Phase 1.
Design work on the Phase 1 project is on-going with final draft designs expected to be released at a public meeting likely to be held in February. Upon finalizing the designs, project construction will be bid out with completion and opening of the trail anticipated by summer. Fundraising for future phases extending to Beaver Dam, is expected to begin in earnest once Phase 1 is constructed.
Read the article posted in the January 1, 2017 edition of the Dodge County Pioneer
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