MCRF/Rotary Trailhead Shelter

Members of the Oskaloosa Rotary and MCRF celebrate the further development of the Gateway Trailhead in Oskaloosa. (submitted photo)

In 2011, the Oskaloosa Rotary Club began a project to enhance the good work of the Mahaska County Recreation Foundation. The goal was to create an attractive Trailhead Shelter at the west Gateway into Oskaloosa.

The Nazarene Church donated land for the site, Carl Drost spent countless hours clearing trees, grading and preparing the site for a trail extension and parking area, volunteers from MUSCO Sports Lighting and then many hands from the Rotary Club constructed a shelter, benches and a bike rack, creating a trail and facility that receives countless users each month throughout the year.

Funding for the project came from a variety of sources, including the George Daily Trust, the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, the Oskaloosa Rotary Club and various individuals.

A long term goal of the Club was to pave the entire length of the driveway coming off of A Avenue West to the parking area. Once again, through the volunteer efforts of Carl Drost and MUSCO Sports Lighting, and efforts of the Oskaloosa Rotary Club, the paving, grading, and seeding have been completed! The final phase of this project will be signage identifying the Trailhead in the near future.

Oskaloosa Rotary Club is involved in many community and international projects such as this, scholarships for Mahaska County students, efforts to help eliminate Polio world-wide, and many more. If you would be interested in joining, please feel free to contact our local club.