A great addition for Oelwein's active nature lovers is a bike/roller blade/walking trail, a work in progress. The goal of the trail is to eventually link all schools and parks, including City Park.

The entire trail will run by many natural woods and scenic plantings and a butterfly garden. It will provide children and other walkers and bikers a path through town that excludes motorized vehicles.

Phase One of the trail was completed and seal-coated in 2002-03 and then paved in 2005. It runs from Red Gate Park to Levin Park.

Phase Two will join Wings Park to the new Baseball/Softball Complex on the south. The trail will pass through the northeast edge of property at Wings Park Elementary and the eastern edge of property at the Middle School, then pass the school district's FFA plot and new practice fields and then through Platt's Park.

A section of Phase Two extending from Platt's Park south across 10th Street SE and on to the ball complex has been completed and paved. It is a great addition to the recreation opportunities available in Oelwein.

Phase Three will connect the first two trails, going from Levin Park to Platt's Park. Stay tuned for updates on this important project.

Oelwein ... the one and only