On Monday, May 2, University of Iowa students David Sedath, Clint Matthews, and Colin Holdgrafer presented their final design concept to both Lynnville and Sully Hometown Pride Committees at the Sully Community Center. As one of their final class projects before graduation, the three formed SMH Consulting and spent their final second semester with one goal in mind: “Design a recreational hiking and biking trail between the communities of Lynnville and Sully to provide a safe, reliable, and enjoyable experience for users of all ages.”
The students designed the trail to be ADA compliant and also followed the AASHTO Bike Guide and Iowa Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS). To achieve their cost estimates, the students used recent Iowa DOT Bid Tabs and RS Means Cost Data Books. Initial costs using these methods tallied $1.4 million for a 3.72-mile trail connecting the two towns from Lynnville Ballpark to Sully Ballpark. This figure does not include any land acquisition, assuming portions of the trail will be in the county right of way and other affected landowners would allow an easement through their properties. It was also noted this figure could be high based on bids in the bigger cities and not the “going rates” of the local area.
Additional Sully and Lynnville loops could be added at later dates, which would include adding Lynnville-Sully Schools to the Sully trail and Wagaman Mill to the Lynnville loop.
What’s next? The two towns will meet again soon with their community coach. Once all property owners commit to the project, fundraising ideas and grant applications can begin.
“The students did an excellent job researching, designing, and presenting their concept,” said Faye Brand of the Lynnville committee. “We are excited by the positive feedback our committees have been receiving from the community and look forward to continuing to make this dream a reality. Support from the community will be the key to the trail’s success.”
A map showing the final design concept for the bike/hike trail linking the Lynnville and Sully communities.
