On the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Dawson, landscaping work is now underway to complete the tremendous renovation project on the historic Dawson Depot. Be sure to stop by to give it a look. The depot building was almost certainly a “goner,” before the trail project was initiated and historic preservation became a possibility.
DAWSON, Iowa, August 4, 2011 — People using the Raccoon River Valley Trail between Perry and Dawson are noticing more progress on the big “North Loop” project. Mike Wallace, the Dallas County Conservation director and trail manager in that county, said his staff is “in the process of landscaping and finishing the Dawson Depot,” and work started on Wednesday, August 3.
“The plan is to remove the concrete landing/loading area, which we have already done,” Wallace said. “We will then come in and construct a stamped-brick concrete surface in front of the depot — that’s the south side of it. This will simulate a paved brick surface, kind of like what you see at the Redfield Depot. We will also have paved sidewalks from our parking lot to the depot and have a handicapped-accessible sidewalk to the north side of the depot. This work and some tree plantings and our trailhead sign should make this area look pretty good.”
As part of the “North Loop” project on the RRVT, the historic railroad depot in Dawson — which was nearly ready to fall down — has been totally renovated. The project cost nearly $300,000, which has been covered with various grants and donations. If you haven’t been to Dawson to see the project, you need to stop by soon. Eight miles of the new portion of the RRVT is now open and usable from Dawson east to Perry, then southeast through Perry to Forest Park, where the county museum and conservation headquarters are located.
