Oskaloosa’s Recreation Trail Gets Needed Update

Contractors continue to work on putting a tunnel below the railroad behind Old White Cemetery for better access on the Recreation Trail

Oskaloosa, Iowa – With all the banging and pounding happening behind the old White Cemetery, and the clouds of dust driving twelve foot pipe can make, it’s a wonder residents don’t think the place is on fire.

Sherry Vavra of Mahaska County Recreation Foundation says that w0rkers are boring underneath the railroad in that spot so that there will be a tunnel under the tracks. This will allow the recreation trail users easier access without having to detour around. “It’s just an extension of the trail”, Vavra said.

MCRF funds these projects with donations and grants, and is responsible for the Lacey Complex as well. Vavra says that the project is currently on schedule and this phase will be wrapped up in the next couple of weeks.

A trail head is also being put in by the Rotary Club and MCRF. The access is just East of the Nazarene Campus along A Avenue West, here in Oskaloosa. This will give residents a place to park and set out on the recreation trail.

Some Oskaloosa residents have been watching the construction as it progresses. They have brought along lawn chairs and coolers, enjoying the sight of the 12 foot diameter pipe being driven underneath the tracks. Gene Phillips said he has really enjoyed watching the progress. I asked him what was the most interesting to watch. “When they drive that pipe,” Phillips said. But beware, he says, “it gets pretty noisy.”