
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced today (Tuesday) that they have awarded more than $1.3 million to five Iowa Great Places projects. The community of Manning has once again been awarded a grant, this one for phase two of the Trestle Park Project. The total cost for the phase two goal of using non-traditional materials to develop the area into a unique experience for the local residents as well visitors is estimated at $62,760. The Iowa Arts Council, which oversees the Iowa Great Places program, has partnered with Manning, providing a 50 percent grant of $31,380. “These projects enhance the quality of life and generate economic opportunities for their communities while celebrating their local character,” says Matthew Harris, administrator of the Iowa Arts Council. There were a total of five projects receiving grant awards and they include: restoration of the Madison County covered bridge damaged by fire; the Wapsipinicon River Scenic Overlook in Linn County; Harvester II Arts & Cultural Center in Council Bluffs; and expansion of the Turkey River Recreational Corridor Trail in Fayette County. Plans for the Trestle Park were created in 2014, which were designated for funding from Iowa Great Places in 2015. Most of the initial phase is already completed around the 102-year-old railroad trestle. The park area will include a shelter house, a train-themed informational kiosk, a concrete IOWA sculpture a natural play area and conceptual, interactive art pieces.